Michael Levitt's Blog, page 95
March 5, 2021
Keep Your Company's Data Secure
Data breaches are all too common in the 21st Century and even some of the biggest corporations including eBay and Equifax have been victims of malicious hacking events. Big corporations may be able to weather the storm of bad publicity that comes with a data breach and come through the other side, but could you?
Smaller companies tend not to have the resources to recover as effectively from bad publicity, not to mention downtime, that comes with a serious breach, which is why you need to do everything in your power to prevent data breaches from happening in the first place.
With that in mind, here are some top tips to help you keep your company’s data secure:
Developing a comprehensive list of cybersecurity and data protection policies and procedures is the first step to keeping your business data safe. Think of every possible thing that could go wrong and ensure you have a policy in place to mitigate it from happening. Ensure all staff, not just the IT team, are briefed, and be sure to stress just how important it is that your strategy is adhered to.
Often, data breaches are caused by the people in your organization not being as security conscious as they could be, which is why you need to learn how to create a security culture in your organization. By doing this, you can push the importance of good cybersecurity, ensure all staff are well-versed in the issues and minimize the chances that they’ll do something stupid that compromises you all. Even something as simple as opening a dodgy email can result in a serious breach so this is really very important.
Installing malware and antivirus protection on every single device that connects to your business network even once is imminently sensible, and one of the most basic things you can do to protect your business from attacks. So, make sure you have a firewall in place, invest in the most sophisticated security packages you can afford, and don’t let anyone use a personal device on the work network unless they too have all the protections in place. In fact, if it is possible to do so, don’t let employees turn on personal devices in the workplace at all.
From your wi-fi network to your client files, if it can be encrypted, it probably should be. That way, if hackers do gain access to your network and your files, it will be much harder, almost impossible, for them to do any damage.
When it comes to sensitive data, limiting access to only those people who really need access is an imminently sensible thing to do.
Before anyone is allowed to work for you and access sensitive files, you should conduct a background check to ascertain that there is nothing in tier background that could make them vulnerable to leaking information or inadvertently not following the security procedures you have in place.
Stay safe!
March 4, 2021
Benefits of Owning a Senior Care Franchise
Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on Unsplash
There are many benefits that can come from opening a franchise instead of starting your own small business. A franchise comes with business assistance in the form of equipment, supplies, and training needed to run the business. You also get supplies at a discount because the parent company buys them in bulk. Because there is already brand awareness, you can start running the business right away instead of worrying about how to find loyal customers.
Even though there are a lot of benefits, it will also be hard work. That means it is important to find a franchise area that will be worth the hard work for you. Most people think that a franchise is only about owning a restaurant or other food-related business. The truth is that there are many different opportunities for franchising. One of these areas, senior care, can be very rewarding and has many benefits.
There is a high demand right now for senior care facilities. The current demographic shift that is happening means that more and more people are retiring at large rates. As they get older, they often come across health issues that make it difficult to maintain their lifestyle. This is where senior care facilities come into play. Current facilities are being overrun and there is a demand for more senior care facilities to open. This makes it a great investment opportunity since the demand is so high.
While owning a business in itself can be a fulfilling experience, you may need more than that in order to feel like you are making a difference. Helping individuals live the rest of their lives in safety and comfort is an important job.
You are not only helping these individuals to find peace as they age, but you are also giving that peace to their families who are desperate for them to be well taken care of too. It can be a huge burden on families to care for their aging loved ones, so giving them a safe and caring place where they can secure care for their loved ones will bring them peace of mind. You can take great pride in knowing that you are helping so many people.
Owning a franchise also gives you more freedom over your life. You get to be your own boss, so you get to make the decisions regarding your work life. Your success isn’t dependent on someone else, but rather on how hard you work and the decisions that you make. You get to decide who you work with and how to formulate a good team.
Because of the high demand, there is a low failure rate among the best senior care franchise opportunities. You are already implementing a business that has shown it can succeed. You don’t have to start from scratch, so you can start working right away knowing that you can be successful. You also get support from the parent company, so you have a greater chance of succeeding than if you just started a company on your own.
Unexpected Costs That Businesses Need To Keep In Mind
Image by Michael Gaida from Pixabay
If there is one thing that no one enjoys, it is an unexpected expense. No matter how much you try to keep everything in order when it comes to your business finances, there is no denying that you simply cannot predict everything. There comes a time whereby a bill is going to be more expensive than you anticipated or whereby something breaks down and you need to foot the bill. Considering that, in this blog post, we are going to take a look at some of the unexpected expenses that companies need to keep in mind today.
One of the biggest issues can be maintenance problems at your premises. Whether this is a plumbing blockage or it is a roofing problem, they all cost money to fix, don’t they? From PVC to TPO roofing, there are many different systems available, and so it is important to choose something long-lasting so that you can protect your business and keep your costs low. Putting together a maintenance checklist is a good idea when it comes to keeping your business in order and ensuring you do not have to spend a large amount of money on dealing with maintenance problems.
Data breaches are on the rise all over the world. There are steps you can take to reduce the chances of a data breach happening at your business, such as implementing penetration testing, firewalls, network segregation, and other methods. While this is going to cost you money, it will save you potentially thousands and even millions in the end. There are many different costs that can crop up when a data breach happens. Not only are you going to have to spend money on getting to the bottom of the problem, but you will face fines for failing to follow data protection regulations, and that is without even mentioning the cost of trying to repair your reputation after this.
Let’s end with something we have all experienced over the past year; the dreaded impact of the pandemic! While we are hopeful that there is not going to be another deadly virus in the next few years, you just never know what is around the corner. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is exactly that. There are some things that are completely out of our control. Not only does this relate to Covid-19, but a natural disaster could have devastating consequences. You cannot plan for things like this, but having a cash reserve in place can certainly help should anything like this happen in the future.
To conclude, there are a number of different types of unexpected expenses that may crop up while you are running your business. While this can be incredibly frustrating, the more prepared you are, the less damage it will cause. Having an emergency fund is a great way to ensure that these expenses do not cause a massively detrimental impact on your company.
March 3, 2021
What Every Restaurant Will Need In Order To Succeed In 2021
Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash
2020 was an odd year for the catering business due to covid, and we’re still facing some of the negative aspects regarding it all. The good thing is that we’re on the other side of it now. We’re learning more about it, vaccines are being administered, and it looks as though life may be getting back to normal sooner rather than later. Most areas of the service industry were hit pretty hard in some places and restaurants are right near the top of the list – if not at the very top. Let us just hope that the future holds a lot more positivity!
Looking forward, you’re going to want the restaurant you’re opening up (or planning to open up) to be in the best possible condition and to have the best possible success. By no means will you be a resounding, amazing household name straight away, but there’s nothing wrong with looking for that as a goal! From the outside looking in, the restaurant business seems pretty simple. It’s a simple job that is non-stop and requires you to be switched on from the outset. There are actually a lot more facets to it than that, however. Those who have ever been through a job like this will attest.
If you’re close to opening up a restaurant or a catering business, then you’re going to want to make sure that every single facet is taken care of. The same applies to those who are just curious or are in the planning stages. Here are the aspects of a successful restaurant business in the year 2021 and beyond:
A lot of what we’ll talk about in this particular article should sort of go without saying – but you’d be surprised at how many eateries and other catering establishments struggle with the fundamentals. The cleanliness and overall hygiene should be at the top of your list of priorities. There are plenty of other things in this job that you should be worried about, too, but this one remains king. People can appreciate when things are a little slow due to awkward situations. They can also understand that you’re trying your hardest. What they won’t accept, however, is a lack of cleanliness overall – they expect things to be immaculate.
Whenever you head out for a meal somewhere nice, are you ever okay with below-average conditions? Of course not, right? This goes for every single part of the building. From the tables to the restrooms, you’ll need to ensure that you have everything covered. Staff members should be trained into keeping everything clean during operating hours while services like Commercial Kitchen Cleaning can be brought in during closed hours.
If you’re the owner of a huge restaurant chain with an amazing reputation, then you’ll likely charge large prices for the amazing meals you dish up. As time moves on and you grow as a business, this can absolutely become a possibility. For now, however, you’ll need to charge based on where you are in the food chain (pardon the pun). People will notice how much you charge and think about it before choosing you again. You may develop a reputation for being too pricey if you’re not careful. Word of mouth spreads quickly and powerfully.
Not every single restaurant has a delivery service, but with the likes of covid and plenty of other demands, it seems as though it might be a no-brainer at this point. Sure, the idea of delivering might cheapen the prestige and reputation of some high-end places, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it for yours at this juncture. People will desire your food even more if you’re able to deliver. We’re living in a much more convenient and borderline lazy existence now. And, if they realize that it can be delivered efficiently to their doorstep, they’ll fall even deeper in love with you.
While you may think most restaurants are just rooms with as many tables and chairs thrown in as possible, it’s actually a lot more detailed than that. There are plenty of different psychological cues that are put in place in order to look more attractive and to put people at ease. Don’t just place tables and chairs anywhere that is convenient – do your best to make things look neat. Be sure to also stick to your brand with the right colors and décor. People will feel slightly uneasy if they’re in a place that drifts somewhat from what they’re expecting.
Lots of restaurants will bring in entry-level employees. While this is okay, be sure to train them well because you’re going to want to ensure that every customer is satisfied. If they’re not satisfied (and, let’s be honest, there are plenty of those around), then they’ll need to be dealt with accordingly. You can only do this if you have staff that know what they’re doing and not complete newbies.
If you want productivity and efficiency, then you’re going to need to employ people that have all the experience and passion in the world for the catering industry. If they can work with positivity and vigor, then it’s going to make the entire system work so much more swimmingly.
As a business, you’re going to want to appeal to lots of people. You’re in the business of satisfying customers, after all. In this case, you’re going to want to market yourself very well and expand your reach as far as you possibly can. Now, in this day and age, social media marketing reigns supreme because it’s such a simple method of getting your message across to the masses. Make sure you have the likes of a Facebook and Instagram account as people prefer visual content over anything else at this moment in time. Ads in local papers and magazines still work excellently, though, so don’t forget to plaster your name, brand, and details wherever you can.
This sort of goes without saying again, doesn’t it? A restaurant will need to provide people with food that the people want, after all. Don’t just go with the generic stuff that is identical to your competitors. Perhaps you can work with the chefs and bring in your own twists. Also, be sure to cater to all kinds of customers that make their way into your restaurant as there will be different needs for different people. Market research and getting to know the area would be necessary for this kind of thing, of course.
The way somebody feels when inside a restaurant matters so much. When you’re eating, do you want to feel comfortable and be in a good headspace? Of course, you do. It might be something that takes a little trial and error but do what you can to temper the feel and make it into the perfect kind of atmosphere for your restaurant. The temperature, the scent, the right ambiance – they all matter just as much as many other points.
From the outside looking in, you’re going to want to look appetizing. Whenever you see a place that looks good, they’ve typically always done a good job of looking like they have the best possible atmosphere and the most delicious food. Pick the right location and do your best to ensure that everything is easy on the eyes. The exterior matters a lot to curious passers-by.
What's The Best Way For SMEs To Raise Brand Awareness?
Brand awareness is the foundation of an effective marketing plan. By focusing on increasing awareness, businesses can generate more leads and convert more interested parties into sales. It’s a fact that 82% of consumers searching for online products and services prefer the brands they know as opposed to the ones they’ve never heard of.
This isn’t news to the entrepreneurs who have spent months and years trying to compete in a saturated marketplace against competitors with bigger resources. Regardless of the era, the basis of success is still the same - boost your reach to increase your market share.
However, the way business owners go about advertising to customers regularly evolves, and you must keep up with the times. Otherwise, you’ll be left behind. Currently, this is one of the reasons why there is a greater uptake in the number of SMEs embracing public relations firms. A PR agency for startups brings several essential features to the table that leaders are unaware of, mainly because they have the wrong perception of the field.
Trying a less generic method tends to add new life into marketing plans as it’s vibrant and exciting. Taking a risk is challenging since you never know what will happen, yet many SMEs need to reconsider their attitudes as PR is more than it appears on the surface.
You can learn more about what agencies have to offer by taking a look at the information on the infographic underneath. It explains what’s in it for small businesses, from SEO to social media and trust and credibility.
Created by pr agency for startups
March 2, 2021
Architectural Tips For Sustainable Businesses
Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash
In recent decades, there has been a sharp jump in awareness of environmental responsibility and green building methods. The pioneers were organizations or individuals who espoused the ideology of sustainability, after which various bodies including the government, began to adopt and implement the approaches. The ultimate goal is to turn a city or building into a low to zero consumer of fossil fuels. By focusing on the environmental / green side and long-term planning and use of engineering modules based on technologies that consume low to zero levels of carbon including use of building materials, such as lightweight construction methods (e.g. use In wood instead of concrete - production and use of concrete requires much more resources and energy compared to wood).
Despite the different standards that exist in different countries there is a need to change construction methods and materials because of climate differences that are reflected in temperature, available raw materials, demographics, culture and more. In many smaller countries, there are matte natural minerals or energy sources like wood, metal, fuels, water and therefore there is great importance in renewable energy utilization (see details below), as mentioned non-perishable resource utilization like solar utilization for solar energy generation, wind utilization to generate electricity from wind turbines. When building houses or offices, it is vital to look at ways that you can create sustainable futures.
New houses are built differently today
Many houses are built with gutters leading water to cisterns located in the belly of the earth - under the building for use mainly in the hot summer months, the ceilings were built at a relatively high height to allow removal of hot air, wide walls to maintain insulation, slowed use of energy-saving windows. As strange as it may sound, Europe is one of the pioneers of environmental development and green construction.
As the world began to work diligently to develop and operate renewable energies in the energy economy, the goal is energy independence and improving the environment, awareness of the need and importance of renewable energy is noticeable except in the Middle East. Renewable energy is energy that utilizes inexhaustible resources and sources - solar energy / solar energy, wind energy - wind turbines to generate electricity, water energy - utilization of tides or waves, production of energy from biomass (utilization of gases released from landfills and wastewater for energy production), energy Geothermal (using heat from the center of the earth). Consumable resources and energy sources can be attributed to fuel from fossil gas and coal sources created over millions of years. The guiding view is that these energy sources will not stay forever and therefore one needs to prepare for the not-too-distant future. This means that the way in which we consume energy is important and the types of energy solutions fitted is also just as important. For example, the electricians and plumbers used - how can this help businesses? With a Pro Circuit Inc you can find the best industrial electricians for the job.
Tips for green building and sustainable development
Use of smart insulation materials for the building shell (insulated double glazing, thermal plaster, insulation materials)
Green engineering / architectural design - planning for hot air flow
Intelligent utilization of the sun's rays for heating and natural lighting (heat and light in winter blocking the sun's rays in summer)
Purchase electrical appliances with a low energy rating A + (low consumption of electricity and water) washing machine, oven in child inn, dryer, TV, computer, LED lamps.
Use materials that do not damage the planet in any way
Optimize water consumption like intelligent use of irrigation or gray water system
Place a composter for recycling organic waste
Ensure proper insulation is used with friendly materials
Buy quality products that will last a long time and can be renewed or recycled for inside the buildings
Ensure effective sealing to prevent heat leakage in winter and cold in summer
Use a coating for glass windows that prevents UV radiation and reduces cooling consumption.
Try to recycle as much as possible when building
When architects build using the green architecture method, the right way to incorporate the principles of sustainable design is first and foremost through a careful selection of quality and environmentally friendly building materials. Traditional and main building materials in architecture include: steel, iron, wood, concrete and glass. In this article we will learn how these materials are harnessed to the service of green architecture and how can they be integrated into the sustainability approach?
Photo: Unsplash
When we try to trace the sources of sustainable materials in new buildings alongside old buildings that have been reinforced and renovated, we need to research and know where the materials come from, how they are manufactured, what their lifespan is and what happens to them when they wear out and need to be replaced? Sometimes, what appears to be a more expensive option in the short term, becomes a better investment later on, when over time the cheaper item needs to be replaced.
WoodWood is a renewable resource, and can come from forests that are pre-managed as sustainable forests. Wood is considered a relatively lightweight raw material that can be easily processed. Wood as a building material has gained sympathy among many architects and in the construction industry used mainly in kitchen design but also in other rooms, thanks to new technologies, with the most promising being the technology that creates engineered wood (CLT) in a process similar to plywood but on a larger scale.
Steel and concreteDespite popular belief, concrete is actually considered environmentally friendly in all stages of its life expectancy, from the raw materials and production stage to the demolition stage, making it a natural choice for sustainable construction. Today a combination of steel and concrete is increasingly used for economic reasons mainly, and since they can be purchased in advance in large quantities and used in any project and almost any required size. The most common way to use these materials is by creating walls that are formed by using formwork into which concrete is poured around reinforced steel in the mesh.
This is a vital step for the future of any sustainable building business in the making.
March 1, 2021
The Importance of Online Videos in Business
Photo by @vmxhu
Online videos are important because they allow a company to explain their products or services more fully. A product can be viewed from all angles and in action. A service can be explained in a more conversational way. So, this article will explore why they can be considered such a useful marketing tool and how shoppable video is finding favor with the digital marketing world and consumers alike.
One of the key reasons why videos are used in a business is to engage users with the internet shopping experience. They work because they are far better at explaining a product than just showing it in still life and only listing its main features. An actual demonstration puts in the mind of the shopper just how they can make use of the product. It can then become something that they then wonder how they ever did without. That is, when they see online how easy it is to use and what added features come as part of its package. All the accessories of a product can be demonstrated in addition to the main product.
A video, if well filmed and constructed, will generally receive the full attention of its audience. Particularly if the video is exciting and engaging in tone and people can really associate with what it is about. Realism is essential in these situations. Videos can be serious or comical and still receive full attention if informative enough and useful.
Online shoppers are more likely to feel a message than reading one, which is where a video comes into its own. It will get into the mind of a potential customer more. That is, with regards to remembering the message and seeing them using the product on offer. To have a potential buyer connect on an emotional level with a product is a wonderful way for a business to increase sales. In addition, videos made with the special software that can be obtained to make them with ease can be made for training purposes, just as they can be used to sell products. For instance, the same video used to promote a product online could also be used to demonstrate the product to high street workers, who then need to demonstrate it to customers. Everyone will feel that they know more about the product and feel comfortable about not only buying it but then using it after purchase. It will be almost like the user no longer needs to worry about reading the full instructions, which many people tend to avoid, although it is best if they do, as no demonstration can show absolutely everything to buyers that they should know. Specifically, how to care for the product in the longer term.
To sum up, a video will be better at explaining a product to customers as well as members of staff, in holding the attention of viewers, and engaging with buyers on a more emotional level. If you can achieve that as a business, you are more than half-way to selling a product or service. Also, there is something in the fact that a person needs to sell themselves to a potential buyer before they do the product. The thinking behind that is, as the customer, you want to trust that the person selling you the product is of good character and so can be trusted to tell you the truth about it. With a video, the demonstrator has an opportunity to do this in a candid way. They can engage with the viewer while demonstrating the product as if it were inside their own home. Videos can be so realistic that it might appear that way. A pet might be included for effect, that can casually stroll into the video. Dogs and cats appeal to most of the population and act as a wonderful selling tool. They create natural situations.
3 Ways To Fall Back in Love With Your Business
For many people, owning a business is the ultimate thrill, it gives you the challenges you need not just in your professional life, but in your personal life. But after a while, time flies, and we can get caught up in the many mundane aspects of our business. And as this starts to consume our daily lives, we begin to fall out of love with our company. And if you feel like this, and you need help falling back in love with your business, what can you do?
Sometimes, we find that in business, we get many achievements, and we become complacent. But when we focus on achievements, it gives us the opportunity to see them through another pair of eyes. Look at the people whose lives you changed or the clients that you make happy on a regular basis. For the first time, you can see what you are doing to benefit them. Giving back is one of those things in business that we all need to remember is right up there as far as the most important aspects of a business are concerned. If you feel like you are able to focus on your achievements, create! Focus on giving back in other ways. You can take some inspiration from Haval Dosky’s tips for giving back as an entrepreneur and see what you can do to reinvigorate your approach. Because if you don't see how you are helping others, you may as well well leave the business to somebody that can recognize this.
You need to ask yourself why you are doing what you are doing. What does your business stand for? But you also need to look at what the business is doing for others. Taking the opportunity to reflect can change your mindset. But if this doesn't help, you need to see the wood for the trees. Taking a step back and delegating duties to somebody else helps you to devote more time and energy to the more important aspects of your business or dedicate it to future projects. If you are struggling with your mindset, you may need to declutter. Think about prioritizing the tasks in your business, but also in your life.
You need to take time off. If you've been working flat out for years, it's hardly surprising you are not happy. Everybody needs to step away, take a break and realize what they are missing in other aspects of their lives. When you step away from the business, it doesn't just give you the opportunity to reflect, but it allows your employees to take the reins. If you haven't delegated properly, now is the perfect opportunity. When you change your environment, even if it's for a couple of weeks, it allows you to gain some perspective, but even if you cannot bear to move away from your laptop, a change of location will help you.
When we start to feel our business is not fulfilling, it is so easy to fall out of love with it. Try these three simple components.
February 26, 2021
Don't Let These Problems Cripple Your Company
It’s worth noting that 90% of companies do fail within their first year on the market. Why is this? Well, there are lots of problems that can plague your business model and some of these can be quite serious. The good news is that by taking the right steps, you can protect your company. Let’s take a look at some of the more serious problems and the right way to deal with them.
Unpaid Invoices
First, you do need to keep track of invoices in your business model. The typical business will form connections and contracts with various private individuals and companies. It’s absolutely vital that you do get the money that you are owed back. This can be quite difficult and you’ll find that there are lots of people who will do everything that they can to avoid paying the money that they owe. This is particularly true in certain business models like cannabis sellers. You can use a cannabis debt collection service to tackle this problem the right way.
You might find that you run into legal trouble with your business. This can lead to you facing massive fines and even developing a bad reputation. To avoid issues here, you should think about hiring a legal advisor. They will help ensure that you stay on the right track in terms of new regulations that impact your business model. You also need to take the right steps to protect your company from legal trouble. One of the ways that you can do this is to keep a check on health and safety. You should think about using a health and safety officer. The right person in this position will identify hazards and correct them before they cause problems.
It’s possible that you have problems with quality in your business. Low quality will immediately draw the wrong type of attention to your business. That’s why you need to make sure that completing quality checks in your business is a top priority.
Bad Reviews
Finally, you need to think about reviews in your company. Reviews can be your greatest weapon in business and help you reach new customers. However, they can also cause tremendous problems. This will be the case if you have a series of bad reviews for your brand. Research shows that 80% of customers will check reviews before they even think about buying a product or service from a company that they haven’t used before. If you are worried about reviews, then it’s important to check more than Google Business. You need to make sure that you are exploring mentions of your brand across social media too. Most customers do now use social media to get attention from brands and understand the level of power that it gives them.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key issues that can completely cripple your company. By taking the right steps, you can make sure that your business isn’t taken down by these problems and instead keep everything on the right track.
February 24, 2021
So, You Want to Be a Business Owner?
Photo by @amyhirschi
Owning a business and being your own boss is a common dream for a lot of people and if you are interested in starting your own business, then it is important to set yourself up for success from the beginning. Today, we are going to look at a few pieces of advice that will help get your local business started on the right foot:
Have A Clear & Achievable Business PlanBefore signing anything, it is so important to have a business plan that is both clear and achievable for you to reach optimum success. What makes your business different from all of the rest and how are you going to use that to not only cover all of your bills but make a profit too? Not to mention pay your future employees! If you cannot give a definite answer, then your business idea still needs a bit of work-shopping.
Understand Your Loan OptionsWhile possible, it is unlikely for a business to fall in your lap, so you will need to have a firm understanding of your different loan options. Whether you need capital to kick start your project or make unexpected repairs, you will want to make sure that you find a loan with the lowest interest rates as well as only borrowing an amount that you're confident can get paid back. You can go through your bank for a commercial loan but it might not be as flexible or as quick of a process as applying through an alternative lender in your area like Idea Financial. These different lenders can help get you approved in as little as one day if you are really in a bind.
Create A Strong PresenceMaking yourself and your business well known and accessible throughout the community will help your storefront thrive. Therefore, it is important to create a buzz around your business well before your grand opening to introduce your potential customers to and get them excited about your products, skills, or art. Do interviews with local news programs and papers, offer free samples and consultations, and create conversation over various forms of social media prior to your first day open to help spark maximum interest. Offer incentives for people to visit your store within the first few months of opening through discounts, buy one get one free promotions, or entries into a raffle.
Another way to help build a strong presence for your business is by starting out with an online store to help develop a customer base. That way, you know you will already have consumers ready to make a purchase when your storefront opens.
Encourage Repeat CustomersRepeat customers help pay the bills, yes, but they also have the potential to become dear friends when you run a local business. Encourage customers to return through a free product or consultation after so many visits, different weekly deals, and strong customer service. You could even provide in store customers with a discount code for online services and vice versa. Customers that come back mean that they are highly satisfied with your business and are much more likely to recommend you both online and through word of mouth, helping grow your business even more.
Before you make the jump to take out a commercial loan to start your business, it is so important to do everything you can to ensure your success. Creating a fool proof plan to make a profit, giving your business the buzz in the community it needs to flourish, and having a system to encourage customers to come back will only help you in both the short and long term. Good luck!
