In a world full of complications sometimes we overlook the simple things in life. We are so busy trying to work out our twisted problems that we miss out on the simple secrets to success. The same can be said of our businesses. We get caught up in endless problems when all we really need to do is to step back and see the simple alternatives, that will lead us to success. Sometimes we need to think with the simplicity of a child.
Not so long ago, Summer holidays (vacation) in the USA meant the rebirth of the Lemonade Empire. Enterprising children of about 10 years and up set up their lemonade stands and earned themselves some holiday money. A note to all who do not live in the USA, school children in USA have a 3 month vacation in the summer, allowing them a great deal of free time. This was before the year round schools that have tried to cut down the long summer vacation. The Lemonade era was in full swing in these "good old days."
The Lemonade King/Queen, who would earn the most money by the end of the vacation, depended on individual factors. Being children they did not have any complicated "think tanks" or secret board meetings, they relied on simple business skills and techniques. Let me explain with these few points.
There was a need/market: Hot thirsty people, (most of the USA has hot Summers) A proven hot selling product: Cold Lemonade is the ultimate drink for a hot Summer day. Cheap premises, simple set up and low overhead: A stand with supplies at the curb( side of the road) would not be too expensive.
However there was hot competition, many children on vacation, and this is where simple business tactics came into play. Just 3 examples:
The Price War:
One child was selling Lemonade for 10c Another for 15c A third for 25c
All had simple stands with a white board saying Lemonade 10c/15c/25c. They had stands that stood alone, with no related service.
Location:
Each Lemonade Stand owner vied for the best traffic location, some got lucky others not. All fair in the Lemonade game. Then came:
The Ultimate Marketer: A small girl was selling lemonade for 30c and she was the talk of the neighborhood. She was selling more and charging more, how could that be? Here were her simple secrets.
Her notice did not just say Lemonade 30c. It said "Freshly Squeezed Lemonade, Made Just For You" She greeted all her customers personally. She took obvious pride in her wares and stand. Her stand was simply and nicely decorated and spotlessly clean. However she did not stop here. She set up her stand next door to the most popular Hot Dog/snack stand. This vender was well known throughout the neighborhood for his great food and service. He had a great location near many offices on a busy street and he was not just seasonal he was there all year round so everybody knew him. He was the perfect compliment to the little girl's lemonade stand. Plus he was a friendly fellow and always recommended his customers to have some delicious lemonade with their lunch/snacks. Of course she also returned the favor.
Now we can all learn from the simple business principles that made this small entrepreneur the talk of the town. To recap:
She had the market (thirsty people) The product: Great tasting lemonade She improved her ad copy, her notice was better than her competitors. She treated all her customers well, going out of her way to make them feel comfortable. Added value. Happy customers=repeat customers, good service = word of mouth marketing, a very powerful form of promotion. A clean, attractive and professional stand attracted more customers. Her strong link with a large popular seller helped her to sell more. Because of all these factors and the added value of customer service she could charge premium price.
All these simple business tactics can be applied to your business and not only help you get ahead of the competition but make more money with less fuss. No need for, time consuming think tanks, and board meetings. These simple principles are right under our noses, we just have to apply them. Think with the simplicity of a child and your business will run more smoothly, be more efficient, and ultimately make you more money.
About The Author
Cathy Qazalbash is the Publisher of A1-Newsletter
A free newsletter for start up businesses
Helping all who are determined to succeed
She is also a freelance writer/copywriter
shuttle from Midway Glen Ellyn ..TRUTH IN THE LAWN MOWING INDUSTRYWe do not wish to... Read More
What is a Virtual Assistant?A Virtual Assistant is a person... Read More
Incredible as it sounds, you have a goldmine of free... Read More
So there I was ? sitting in the audience of... Read More
It's obvious when a small business has accepted the fact... Read More
While there are few career paths that some would call... Read More
Cleaning concrete is tough and there is an easy way... Read More
One of the simplest ways to expand your marketing efforts... Read More
First, we need to define the different kinds of skip... Read More
It appears the mini-blimp indoor theme and concept is making... Read More
If you're an entrepreneur responsible for your own small business... Read More
Here are some important points to take note of if... Read More
My 16 year-old daughter said, "Gee Dad! You look just... Read More
Most business owners know when they need an accountant, but... Read More
Over the years I heard the best way to learn... Read More
Not sure how to start a small business? This guide... Read More
What image do you and your people portray to your... Read More
If you are worried about how many different business cards... Read More
The day care industry is expanding. There are now more... Read More
If you have ever had your antique shop or mall... Read More
Cleaning the trailers towed by big trucks is not easy,... Read More
Last summer the FTC put forth a report and then... Read More
When someone owes your small business money, you certainly feel... Read More
One of the biggest fears people have about starting a... Read More
Your on-line success is based on your efforts and yours... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare North Chicago ..If you are a franchisee of a large franchise system;... Read More
The Federal Trade Commission is assisting competitor to cheat and... Read More
Everyone is talking about small businesses. In 1993, when it... Read More
Early in my career, I wrote an article for a... Read More
Franchisors of home based and mobile businesses need to carefully... Read More
In the first part of this article I put forward... Read More
You see it often in large shopping complexes. Customers seem... Read More
A tongue-in-cheek look at the skills required to operate a... Read More
Owning a business is a challenging endeavor. If you're like... Read More
Have Some Time to Yourself One of the most important... Read More
Purchasing a franchise has become one of the most popular... Read More
There is significant competition in auto detailing and car washing.... Read More
If you are worried about how many different business cards... Read More
Many have not experienced a fire up close. One year... Read More
When is the Chamber ideal for your business?Joining a Chamber... Read More
One of the critical success factors for service-related businesses is... Read More
CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR INTERN: Specify the number of hours the... Read More
Hi, Charles...here, Your Cap and t-shirt guy From Texas. How... Read More
Multimedia is everywhere on the Internet, whether in the form... Read More
What are the 5 best ways to gain new contacts?There... Read More
Ask anyone trapped in a cubical about their entrepreneurial dream... Read More
One overlooked individual in the process of taking a company... Read More
As a practise gets larger & larger the associated problems... Read More
A cherished business doctrine is that growth must be a... Read More
There's no question that hard work and a little luck... Read More
Small Business |