Introduction: How Recessions Affect Small Businesses — Winning the Recession is a new series of short articles to help small businesses not only survive but profit during this recession. A recession is defined as an economic downturn where there are two consecutive negative-growth quarters. Frequently the economy experiences higher unemployment, reduced manufacturing, and consumers spend less. This…

A book review of Wallace D. Wattles’ 1910 book “The Science of Getting Rich” “Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson What is the Science of Getting Rich? Wallace D. Wattles’ inspiration and motivation make the reader impatient to start implementing his advice. Rhonda Byrne credited The Science of Getting Rich as inspiration for her 2006 film and 2007 book The Secret.

Lotion Sales Secret #9: The Surefire System to Maximize Lotion Sales without Being Manipulative or Demeaning — This secret is adapted from the webinar The Psychology of Free: Using Beauty Product Sampling to Convert Lookers into Buyers by David McFarland of SunEvolutions January 20, 2021 (McFarland, 2021) I just spent a chapter convincing you not to sell a packette. It’s like kissing your sister (or brother). …

Powerful Statements Are Cheap. Unremarkable Advertising Is Expensive. — Word of mouth is the main reason behind 20 to 50 percent of all purchasing decisions.¹ WOM, as it is sometimes called, is most influential with new customers. Its influence is expected to increase as more people rely on online reviews to pick products and services. “Caution: Low Flying Fish”…

Why Recognition Is the Most Valuable Benefit a Small Business Can Offer — Truth be told I HATE giving formal evaluations. Don’t you? I hated receiving them as well. I was a nervous wreck for each one I received. About 20 years ago I decided to ask my staff how effective they felt these formal annual evaluations were. …

Getting Honest Answers to the Right Interview Questions — Yes, I said it. A formal interview is almost unnecessary for hiring part-time employees. Okay, now I said it. We end up hiring nearly 90% of the part-time staff who make it through the three-Minute Telephone Screening Interview demonstrated in a previous blog and show up for the formal interview. …

The Proven Policy That Saves Your Online Reputation, Keeps Your Superstars from Leaving and Saves Thousands of Dollars — Have you ever dated the wrong person? You likely dated that person longer than either of you wished. What if you had set that person free after the first five dates? You probably knew it wasn’t going to work out after the first date. Wouldn’t it have saved you money…

By Being Offensive But Not an Asshole — Have you heard that job advertisements should not describe the position but describe the person you are looking for? In the same light, your adverts should also describe what you don’t want. I learned this from the marketing Wizard of Ads, Roy Williams. …

When Revenue Sources Are Scarce Mine For Profit — It’s 100% Profit You might be scrambling to figure out ways to make money while your business is closed or at reduced capacity, but have you considered ways to save money? Why is saving money more important than figuring out ways to make more money? Think about it; every dollar you make may…