When you begin to design a brochure, report or sign, one of your first choices is the type of font to use. And though it might seem inconsequential, the choice of font matters. The right font will enable your customer to quickly discern your message; the wrong font may keep him from reading your […]
Best Practices
Rethinking Business Plans
At the Sandy Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Conference last week, a panel of experts gave advice about how to get financing for a new business. The panelists (one venture capitalist, a representative from a bank, a representative from a credit union and the Deputy District Director of the Utah SBA) each came from […]
What Your Signs Say About Your Business
We are a society of judgmental people; we’re quick to form opinions about people, places and experiences within seconds of our first contact. Think about the last time you met someone. You quickly scanned his appearance and drew conclusions based on the way he was dressed, how his hair was cut, his posture, body language […]
The Race to the Bottom of the Pricing Barrel
When thinking about pricing your merchandise or services you might be tempted to look around at your competitors and then price your stuff the lowest. You figure, this way, customers will choose your company and you’ll make tons of money. But is this strategy the best? Breaking it down into the most simple terms, […]
7 Pricing Strategies Every Retailer Should Know
Of all the strategies you’re thinking of for your new business, pricing is the one that can truly make or break your business. Price too high and your competition will get all the business. Price too low and you won’t make enough money. Super-smart business economists have come up with dozens of pricing models […]
8 Shoplifting Myths That Cost You Money
According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP), more than $35 million of good are stolen from retailers every day. That’s a whole lot of stuff going out the door. If you’re a retailer, you want to do everything you can to deter shoplifters. And with approximately 27 million shoplifters in the U.S., there’s plenty […]
Is Your Business Prepared for a Disaster?
As a business owner you probably worry about things like inventory, marketing, hiring and training employees and paying the bills. An earthquake seems like a silly thing to worry about, considering all your day-to-day worries. But earthquakes do happen (as do fires, floods and tornadoes). And if you’re not prepared when disaster strikes, your […]
Social Factors and Business Performance
According to Julie Baker, a marketing professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, there are three factors that are important to the retail store environment: social, ambient and design. Today, I want to look at the importance of the social factors of your store and how you can make improvements that will increase […]
