Over the course of this blog we have talked about various ways in which you can have a competitive advantage over the big box stores. Today we are going to take a little different approach and talk about not only competing but also doing something for the community as a whole.
Dornoff Consulting is designed to help businesses be more competitive in an ever changing marketplace. Dornoff Consulting provides business consulting services along with Community Development, Community Economic Development, Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, and Urban Design.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Being part of your community...
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Outsourcing?
Outsourcing for small businesses is nothing new. We are not talking about the outsourcing that is getting a bad rap right now such as sending your customer service to India but instead are talking about such items as secretarial services.
What I mentioned in that blog was outsourcing is fine, just do not outsource an area that deals directly with your customers. This is were many technology companies are making a mistake as they outsource customer service and tech support.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Starting A Small Business Series Part III
In the previous entries we talked about finding the right business for you. Now we are going to get into the finances of your business.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
What Niche?
One of things you will here me talk about all the time is how important it is for you to have a niche to drive your customers base. Wal-Mart has it’s low price niche (even if it really doesn’t have the lowest prices), Nordstrom is known for it’s customer service, and K-Mart is know for?
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Capital Budget Needs...
In a previous entry I talked about the importance of having an emergency fund consisting of six months of expenses. This is not to be touch except in an extreme emergency. Today I am going to talk to you about another savings account you should have but this one you will tap into on a regular basis and that is your capital equipment fund.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Starting A Small Business Series Part II
In the first part of the series we talked about getting ideas for you to start your own business. Now that you have a general idea of what direction you want to do, now we will see how marketable the idea is and where you should go with it. We are keeping this very basic for those going from a blank sheet.
- Who would buy your product or service?
- How big is the market for your product or service?
- Who is your competition?
- How will you set yourself apart from your competition?
- What is your niche?
Friday, November 16, 2007
Business Articles of Note
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Visit Allsop.com, a 30 year innovator of computer electronics accessories, mousepads, CD/DVD storage, and gardening items.
Big 3 pursue green market in big way
Earnings: Starbucks deigns to do TV
Venture Capital: Funds put $7 million on an old favorite
Movie rentals are moving increasingly to TV, Internet
Inside Entrepreneurship: Don't let funding challenges derail you
Industrial production takes its biggest dive in 9 months, led by sharp drop in utilities
Wal-Mart finds being green is no easy task
Safety-standards bill for toys is approved by House panel
Black Friday ads: Pros and cons for shoppers
Small start-ups thrive in Idaho but seldom become lots biggerGrowing our gazelles
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Accept Credit Cards - Free Credit Card Processing Set Up
Program builds business-school ties
Here's an innovative workplace idea -- 'offices'
Small-business boost?
Shoppers show reluctance to spend
Shoppers shying away from toys due to recalls, poll says
What's new: Organic foods market opens in Nampa
SBA does more with less in L.A.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
What Kind of Business Should I Go Into?
So you have decided to start your own business because you are tired of corporate culture, you want to control your destiny, or a range of other reasons for starting your own business.
- What kind of experience you have?
- What are your hobbies?
- Do you have an innovative product or service that is not out there yet?
Business Articles of Note
World's largest online seller of promotional items
Retail sales up only 0.2 percent
McDonald's to take on Seattle's best
Zillow signs deal with newspapers
Ready to shop?
Burn while you earn: Desk treadmill keeps you walking at work
Hyatt's break with tradition
Wal-Mart gain may be sign of recovery
Safeway joins in liquor sales
For the Guy Who Wants More Than a Little Off the Top
Keeping Up With Customers: A Phone List Is So Yesterday
Paying to Hear the Complaints
Personal Assistants on Call, Just Not in the Next Office
Benefits in a Pension, for Now and Beyond
A Little Planning Can Mean More for Heirs Later
Winemaking That Doesn’t Require a Mortgage
Your Computers Are Down? No Problema
These Angels Like to Work as a Team
Taking a Whack at Making a Car
From Boutique to Big Time
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Host Unlimited Domains FREE when you purchase with PowWeb!!!
Holiday shopping for safe toys
Sandy firm's wireless chip may fill holes
Competition looms for new 'Guitar Hero'
Buy Local First Week will be Nov. 24-Dec. 1 in Salt Lake
Kohl's store to open with new features
A Health Plan for Wal-Mart: Less Stinginess
Win Fabulous Prizes, All in the Name of Innovation
The Tables Turn for Dilbert’s Creator
More Than One Way to Help a Business Grow
Social streaming: music's new business model?
Monday, November 12, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Your Own Web Store at Your Own Web Address! ProStores - an eBay Company
Billings baker trades 2 a.m. shift for a sweeter calling
Newtek Solutions pushes the electronic envelope
Disabled can find job success - if they find a job
Malls bank on Santa to deliver sales
China October trade surplus hits record
Small-business owners look everywhere to cut energy costs
High heels and high hopes
Business franchise idea is not always a 'snow brainer'
Employee use of Internet a way of life, but limits needed
It is too good to be true?
Web is stage for hopeful musicians
Out with the trans fats, in with a lot of other
Finding South Florida's next economic wave
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Reliable, Affordable Business Hosting from Bluehost.com.
Companies see value in sabbaticals
Survey gets to the heart of sick days
Architectural firm explores new space, approach to work
Recruit and retain
Holiday hiring time not joyful
Import mix-ups hurt smaller companies
Venture capital: Mom Headquarters: 500-square foot studio apartment
SBA loans add up for small firms
Retail Notebook: Shop offers an array of 'magical groceries'
Most annoying co-workers? Those who slack off, kiss up
Variety of Web sites target older job-seekers
Please hold: Businesses want to hear your order, not your call
Everystreet USA style lends familiarity to Town Square
Friday, November 09, 2007
Business Articles of Note
$3.95 Web Hosting from IPOWER
Consumer confidence hits 2-year low
Venture Capital: VC firm targets the early, risky stages
Inside Entrepreneurship: A grant program for small businesses
Holiday retail outlook grim
McDonald's gaining sales on all fronts
Macy's hoping stars can provide a lift
Small firms anything but
Business owners talk over health-care reform
Starting Up: You have to be an entrepreneur at heart
It's Trader Joe's meets Ralphs
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Drive traffic and sales to your website with Excite.com
Retailers report sluggish October sales
Small Business: Internet surfing at work -- is it cheating or acceptable?
Southwest eyes an upgrade
Legislation aims to keep government competition from hurting businesses in Utah
Gas-price surge may crimp holiday spending
Date-rape chemical found in toy beads made in China
What Economic Slowdown? Small Businesses Grow Stronger
Matchmaker for minority-owned firms
Nonprofits supercharge Florida's economy
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Get rid of your fax machine. Try RingCentral Fax
Developers embracing 'green' to gain an edge
Productivity surges by 4.9 percent — fastest pace in 4 years
October's retail sales rose at a slow pace
Weaker holiday sales in store, economist says
Keys to search engine visibility
Top business women share insights, advice
Southland debut could be difficult for Fresh & Easy
Cabela's store brings the outdoors in
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Business Articles of Note
HSBC Term Life Insurance, Up to $250,000 in Coverage.Protect Your Family Today!
Circulation drops at daily newspapers
If it's important, don't put it in e-mail
Zibbie Zone gives kids a place to play online
Workplace Coach: Unhealthy conflict hurts workers and the business
Retail Notebook: Where shoppers find their way around the world
Venture Capital: Seattle VCs missing clean tech boom
New orders help boost services sector growth
New PCs just for kids, older users
Blu-ray DVD players will drop 20% in price
Housing-market woes may be long-term
U.S. trails other nations in broadband speeds
40 years of low prices pay off for WinCo; Eagle store opens
Google hopes to conquer the wireless world
The Right Places to Learn Entrepreneurship
Green Grocers (and Bakeries)
Venting, Yes. Profiting, No.
Never Too Young to Give, or Take, Advice
In Portland, Cultivating a Culture of Two Wheels