Selling Your Business

"You can’t be a success in any business without believing it is the greatest business in the world. You have to put your heart in the business and the business in your heart." Thomas Watson, Sr

SELLING YOUR BUSINESS

When it comes time to sell your business, it is hard in so many ways. Some of the things that need to be done to sell your business are:

•  Come up with a marketable, fair price
•  Decide if you want to sell your name and your website
•  Decide how and where to advertise
•  Come up with a training or consulting plan
•  Find a buyer you feel can represent your Company
•  Find something you enjoy doing to fill the temporary void following the sale

It can be done. I just sold my “Lawn Expressions” business of 21 years. This business was something I loved and a social expression that made people happy-- putting up celebration signs as a Lawn Display for special occasions. Each time I created and painted a new yard card, it was such a joy to rent these to my customers. It was time for me to sell and retire from this business, even though selling the business that I started and enjoyed for so many years is difficult. Luckily I found the perfect family to continue making Lawn Expressions a very unique and special business.

The new Owners AMY & DEREK were recent customers of mine and loved the idea of this type of business. Both of them and their young family will continue to make others happy with this business in the Denver area.

The new Lawn Expressions contact information is Phone # is 720-556-1250
Email: amy@lawnexpressions.com
Website: www.lawnexpressions.com/
I will continue writing this Business Blog and hope that others in this business or ANY business will benefit from the different Blog about Business!
"There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate." ~Robert Brault

Sincerely,
Marty Miller; Entrepreneur, Business Consultant, Artist & Blogger
www.homeandhealthtips.com/

ADVERTISING & MARKETING your Business

ADVERTISING and MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS

"You can’t be a success in any business without believing it is the greatest business in the world. You have to put your heart in the business and the business in your heart." Thomas Watson, Sr

Summer is a GREAT time to market your business. Advertising and Marketing are two different ways of promoting your business, along with Networking.

Advertising is things like is usually done in: Newspapers, magazines, television, radio, telephone book or promotionals. Donating a Sign or Display for a large event can be both advertising and marketing, particularly if you are present at the event "marketing" your product or services.

Marketing is usually where YOU are physically present like: LEADS Groups, Chamber of Commerce groups, Local Business Clubs, School or Church clubs, Business forums and Advisory Boards. (small group of business people who share Accomplishmetnsanother subject we will address later). The advantage to MARKETING is that you are socializing and selling yourself along with your product/service. People who Market their product or service will do much better in business. People like to do business with someone they know. You will also get support from others who run small businesses if you are in a business group environment.

The INTERNET is now the BEST way of both advertising and marketing, even though you are not physically present. People want the convenience of getting things instantly, so more consumers use the Internet, rather than phone books or print media. However there is still a segment of society that do not use the Internet and rely on Print media.

The best advise is to try different ways of advertising and marketing and find which works best for you and your particular business.

Marty Miller, Business Owner, Entrepreneur     http://www.lawnexpressions.com/     www.yardcarddirectory.com/
www.homeandhealthtips.com/

"You are never fully dressed until you wear a smile!"

SUMMER SALE for Yard Card Business

"Ambition is the path to success.  Persistance is the vehicle you arrive in".  William Eardley

If this is your first visit to this blogsite, please peruse the many business issues that have been featured for those who are serious about making their business a SUCCESS!

For Great business advice and ideas on blogging, websites and creating a succesful business visit www.2createawebsite.com/

"Doing business without advertising is like winking at a someone in the dark. YOU know what you are doing, but no one else does." Stewart Britt


Marty Miller   http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/   

SUMMER STRESS or SUCCESS?

SUMMER BUSINESS SUCCESS or STRESS?

“ If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded”
Mayo Angelo on Success
How you THINK can make the difference between being Successful or just Stressed.

Be positive. Think Success, not failure. Do not stay in a negative place either mentally or physically. Let your customers and people around you know what your business or product will do to enhance their life, rather than telling them “about” your business. Customers ultimately care about what your business will “do for them”. See Features and Benefits.  
If you think you can do things to help your business grow, get on it. “Habit is like a soft bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of”. (anonymous)  Refresh your thinking—set new goals—not huge ones, just little goals. When you reach the little goals, start making bigger goals. Write down your goals each day, maybe even just one. Writing it down really does help—when you succeed in that goal "celebrate" and cross it off of your list.
“Ideas won’t keep; something must be done about them”
Alfred North Whitehead (mathematician, philosopher)

YARD CARD and LAWN DISPLAY BUSINESS

For those of us in the Yard Card and Lawn Display business, summer is a good time for us as the weather is nice, people are happy, the sun is out (usually) and our business brings smiles.

Even if your business has taken a hit in this economy, as most have, don’t stop now, keep doing the things that work well. One of those is being present on the Internet. As has been stressed numerous times, you need your State and important information on your Home Page of your website. If you have not done this—do it now. Then join as many Directories as you can. Put in a few relevant search terms and see which companies and Directories come up on top. Join them—you must spend a little money to make money.
“Don’t pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines”. Satchel Paige

 Marty Miller   http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/  http://www.lawnexpressions.com/  http://www.homeandhealthtips.com/

COMPETITION and COLLABORATION in BUSINESS

"You can't use up creativity. the more you use the more you have"  Maya Angelou

Competition and Collaboration in the Business World

COMPETITION: (Rivalry, match, contest) Good, healthy competition is great, as it makes us grow and get better at what we do. We need competition to make us stretch ourselves; also it is imperative for the economy and gives the consumer "choices". However if we get stuck on always being competitive, it can be counterproductive. "Remember the banana--when it left the bunch, it got skinned."

Do be courteous about copying others' work or ideas without getting written permission. THERE IS PLENTY OF BUSINESS FOR ALL OF US!

COLLABORATION:  (To work jointly with others) In most businesses, collaborating is very good. You can share ideas, benefit from each other's knowledge, increase the market knowledge of your product and gain more visibility. Many companies worry too much about having other companies in their area. I always liken it to the city corners that have 3-4 gas stations. Who in town has the most business? ---the same type businesses close together, so people have options.


In our particular business of Lawn Greetings; if consumers see a lot of signs or yard card displays out there--it starts to imprint the idea in their minds for future celebrations. If people rarely see yard signs or lawn displays then the concept does not become popular. With several companies in your area that makes each company "work smarter, not harder". We are each advertising for each other with consumer product knowledge just by having people see the idea in a yard. Also our ultimate goal is to service customers wanting this type of celebration recognition in their yard and if we cannot help them out, we can refer them to another company.

If your do your industry's research you will find the most sucfessful areas of the country are those with more than one or two of the same type of industry.

For other Great Business ideas Visit this Great Website.
Visit the Yard Card Directory for your state.  This is a new site of mine to get great ideas on Home, Health, Kids games, crafts and recipe and Fun for Seniors.


"Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallest acts.  This is the secret of success."
     Swami Sivanada

Marty Miller, Business Owner for 35 yrs.   http://www.lawnexpressions.com/   www.homeandhealthtips.com/

SPRING BUSINESS-APPRECIATING YOUR CUSTOMER

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne Bradstreet


SPRING is the BEST time to promote your business and appreciate your customers.  Spring is like a "new awakening".  People spend more time outdoors; gardening, watching their children play, their grass become green and flowers blooming. 

For us in the Yard Card Business we have Mother's Day, Graduations and Father's Day, along with the usual Baby's births for "Stork Sign" Rentals and Birthday Signs like "Over the Hill, Flamingos, Buzzards and Celebrations Signs.  It is a great time to send postcards or Thank-yous to your customers to remind them that you are available to help them with thier very special occasions!

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION

One way to keep customers coming back is good service and appreciating them for using your services. It is wonderful when a customer says to you” I love what you do and you really do a good job.”  We all like to feel we are doing a good job.  Sometimes, because of night deliveries, we do not get much feedback, so it is nice to give the person who ordered the Lawn Display a courtesy call to see how the recipient enjoyed their special gift.
 Some other great ideas we can use for Customer Appreciation are:

* First and foremost –Answer calls and emails promptly!
* Send out Thank You Cards that can be made inexpensively with your company name, phone number, email and website on the cards--as mentioned above.
* For repeat customers or a larger order, add something extra.
(i.e.) I make a certificate for framing or baby book for a Stork that is rented more than 4 days. I use parchment and put it in a plastic sleeve. I also take a free balloon to an older sibling on a baby rental.
* Keep a database of your customers and pick several that have not ordered in awhile and send them postcards.

*Congratulate the new Mom’s or Grandma’s on their baby or grand-baby.
Make sure your calls sound friendly and upbeat. You appreciate your customer!

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams

Marty Miller, www.lawnexpressions.com/  www.yardcarddirectory.com/
  Need Health & Home Tips or Kid's Ideas

Start a SPRING BUSINESS

Starting a new business in the Spring can be a great time to start!  Just do some checking prior to starting your new business.  The economy is especially tight right now, so you must research before throwing yourself into a new endeavor.

In the Yard Card Business, at least in my 21 yrs. of experience, I have found that Spring is probably the best time of the year for Celebration Sign Rentals.  There is Mother's Day, Graduation, lots of babies born and of course the Birthdays. Even with the tight economy, people want to celebrate their special moments.

Spring is a popular time for Yard Cards & Lawn Displays, particularily in the States that have had snow, cold and storms during the winter months. People want to do fun, happy things & spring brings out the best in attitudes.

 If you wish to Start a Lawn Display Business, start looking into some of the various ones that are for Sale. There are companies that provide Kits to make your own signs, ones that are pre-made for you or ones you can design yourself. Make sure you have a Manual to help you get started. Research different types of displays and businesses before making a decision. By purchasing a franchise or an establsihed "Business for Sale", you will at least know that there is some history and experience that has been put into that business.
Most people learn from their business mistakes or know what has worked well for them. If you work with someone who has been in business, you will gain knowledge from their experiences.

Websites I would recommend regarding business help of any kind is your local www.SBA.gov/    Also look into small business organizations in your area, Leads Groups, NAWBO, or Chamber of Commerce.

If you are interested in the Yard Card Business visit Entrepreneur Website  or  www.yardcards-business.com/

"An optimist is the human personification of spring."-- Susan J. Bissonette
Marty Miller,  http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/    www.homeandhealthtips.com/  www.lawnexpressions.com/

BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARDS

Start a BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD

Over a year ago I did a blog on starting a Business Advisory Board.  It seemed to be a popular blog, so I thought we would revisit the subject.

ADVISORY BOARDS

An Advisory Board is a group of people (can be as small as 4) with diversified interests and opinions and different types of businesses. The group can meet once a month or maybe every other month for about 2 hrs. ea. meeting. Each person has a chance to speak and should prepare something like the previous month's *Accomplishments, Challenges & Goals. *(these will be reviewed in a future Post). A Moderator for each meeting can be chosen to manage the division of time.  When you start your Advisory Board set down some rules to begin, so that the purpose is clear to the members.  Limit the number in your group so that each member will have enough time to address the issues to be discussed.  I would say as small as 4 to no larger than 10 members.  Make it a commitment for each member to attend.

BENEFITS:

Talking with others in business who can:
* be supportive
* give unbiased ideas and help
* share your successes & celebrate your accomplishments
* understand your strengths and weaknesses
* bring fresh, new ideas to the table
* give you socialization with others in business
* help expand your business and meet personal goals
* keep you updated on other businesses or New business ideas
* give YOU the opportunity to help others with your good ideas and support

The Group becomes your Business Family. You come back to your business energized and with a new perspective and creative ideas. I have been in a group for over 17 years and find it one of the least expensive, most helpful things I have done for ME and for my Yard Card business development. Our group has met in business rooms, our homes, library private rooms and now with 4 of us we meet in a centerally located restaurant that is not very busy and we each purchase a meal and take turns talking about our business and presonal life, following the Accomplishments, Challenges and Goals format.

Form a Group of dedicated people who will be honest with you about their business and yours. STAY on TRACK at the meetings and again make it a commitment. Please comment if you need more help with this idea!

"You don't get any rewards out of this life unless you make an investment"

Sincerely,

Marty Miller   www.yardcarddirectory.com/   www.homeandhealthtips.com/

Websites and Blogging about Your Interests

BLOGGING About Your Interests


When you start a website you must first make sure that you have a passion, product or service that will be interesting to people. Research the other websites in your area of interest. If you are unsure of what you might want to start as a website, try blogging until you decide what you are truly passionate about. You might set up a www.blogger.com/  account, which is free. Start blogging about some of your passions; whether it be art, music, health, people or a business you already have or one you wish to start. As you blog, you may find a certain subject, product or service that is really interesting to you or one that you already have that consumers find interesting.

Make a list of domain names that you would like to use. They should be relevant to the subject of your Website. (i.e.) www.yardcarddirectory.com/ refers to a US and Canada Directory for those in the Lawn Display and Yard Sign business. You can easily search for domain names by typing in "domain name search" in the search area. You have several options of registering your website name – either as a dot.com, a dot. net or a dot. org. The dot.com is the most common, dot.net is more for business and dot .org is for organizations, profit or non-profits. If you are able to secure the website name you wish in a dot.com, that is best for the average website.

One of the best Sites to visit if you are learning is Lisa's website at: www.2createawebsite.com/  Read more about Lisa and why she is a great resource and teacher at my Favorite Links.

Once you decide that you are headed in the right direction, then you need to research how to start a website.
There are many possibilites. You may have a hosting company that sets everything up for you, or you may wish to try something like www.snapmonkey.com/ where you can make changes or updates whenever you wish for the same monthly charge. You may also just keep on Blogging and keep that as your website.


"The more places you are seen, the better you are recognized."
Sincerely,
Marty Miller,  www.lawnexpressions.com/   www.yardcarddirectory.com/

VALENTINE'S DAY

 "To love and be loved is to feel the sun on both sides"

VALENTINES DAY kind of breaks up the slower winter months.  It is a special time that is fun, colorful and full of suprises.  Some choose Valentines Day for a Wedding--Vegas seems to be a popular, fun and fairly easy wedding destination.  A time to Tie the Knot.  Romance is in the air!

Unique and Memorable Gifts or Suprises are always appreciated.  This year do something that will make the entire neighborhood aware of the Surprise!  Rent a Yard Card or Lawn Display and display your feelings with Yard Display.  Imagine the Smiles!

Hand Made Valentine gifts are fun for children to make.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Marty Miller; Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Writer and Blogger
www.homeandhealthtips.com/

GET STARTED ON YOUR 2011 BUSINESS!

ORGANIZE FOR THE NEW YEAR

* Clean out old files ----hard to do, not a fun job, but gratifying once you rid yourself of unneccessary papers and things you have collected.
* Update your database--very important.
* Think of new ways to create business and NEW customers.
* Thank your repeat customers---send a postcard letting them know you are still in business.
* Inventory your products to see if you need to purchase new things, refresh or refurbish them, or add new products or delete those that are not working for you.
* Start the year with a GOOD method of filing, not only for tax purposes, but for keeping you "on track".
* Get on new Yard Card Directories and improve your Internet visibility. See a SUPER special for joining in Jan. at:  http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/join.html
* Join business clubs or Chamber of Commerce--great way to meet people and get your service known.
* Refresh your website with new content & photos--put the name of your STATE on your website Home Page! Customers often search by State.
* Start an Advisory Board with 3-8 other business people so that you can share experiences, support each other.
* Start the New Year with a positive attitude!
* Take Care of Yourself and Stay Healthy    www.healthandhometips.com/
   
"Your outcome has much to do with your attitude."

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Marty Miller    www.yardcarddirectory.com/   www.lawnexpressions.com/