Info for business owners...

[MissieK]

I'm hoping you can help me. The Starting Out section in the Business Mums Magazine is humming along, however getting articles on topics for business owners further along in their businesses is harder.

What topics would you like to see in the magazine for people who are past start up and are growing their businesses? Generally those past the 3-5 year mark.

Please help!

Melissa

[JodieR]

well you've just suggested one there yourself )

How to grow your business further...
Vamping up your marketing
Getting back to old school customer service
Following up with your customers
building feedback and referrals
Networking tools
Ironing out the bugs?
Improving production
Promotion tools - self branding - running a promo (ie branded pens, cups, diaries)
Trade shows - exhibitor or attend to network
Broadening your scope/branching out in other areas

something that I'm looking to at the moment which would be good (for me LOL) is Home office versus Office/Shop outlet - pro's and cons, associated costs (I'll be starting a post on this soon myself - after I finish looking around the forum and seeing what info is already about).

What about - upgrading merchant facilities, computer software to improve business?

Just some quick ideas that popped into my head.

[MissieK]

Thanks Jodie.

I'm also after headings for regular sections - eg moving out of home, etc - so we can provide ongoing information

Melissa

[Sef]

Hi Melissa,
Here's some more:

Minimising tax
Investing for the future
Securing long term contracts
Hiring staff
Keeping up with your accounting
New technology
Regulatory requirements
Moving into new areas
Expanding your demographics

5 minutes of brainstorm from 10 members will give you 100 new ideas!

[MissieK]

hehehe, Sef - that's the whole idea

Melissa

[Burgo]

Big question is 'WHY' ?

Why do you want to work for yourself?
Why do you want to leave the security of a corporation?
Why do you think you can earn enough to live on?
Why do you want to go grey before your time? ( sorry thats kids)
Why do you think you can do better than the other person thats been in the same type of business as you want and is struggling?
Why ? do you know something we dont?

Just some of my warped opinions

[LeelaCosgrove]

Originally Posted by Burgo

Why do you want to go grey before your time? ( sorry thats kids)

No, you're right that's definitely business ... I've been thinking about working a hairdressing levy into my prices ...

[MissieK]

Great questions Burgo - though I'd put those more in the starting out category, rather than for those who are further along.

Melissa

[BrightSpark]

Been there done that, now what do I do?
How do I get out of it?
Is it something I can leave to others?
What's New?
Looking outside your little room?
When do you need to do a revamp?
Stories from the front line.


A regular section should include
New Technology - There is enough coming out each month to keep this section going.