Top 10 Rules for Small Business Success

1. Target

You are not all things to all people. Decide on your niche--narrow your focus and broaden your appeal.

2. Be Different

If your competitors are doing it, don't. Stand out from an overcrowded marketplace where so much of the advertising and products look the same.

3. Build a Team

Don't hire an employee to fill a position. Employ a person to be part of a team to build your business.

4. Be Fast

Time is the most precious commodity. When delivery is expected Friday, show up Thursday afternoon. Return calls and emails now.

5. Say Thank You

A lot. Tell your customers and employees how much you appreciate them. Better yet, do it the old fashioned way: take pen to paper and write them a note.

6. Be Consistent

Make sure your business has a consistent look and feel. A customer must get the same flavor from everyone within your organization. Always.

7. Smile

Throw out the reasons you think people buy from you like price, product quality or your warranty. They buy because they like you.

8. Fanatical Optimism

The glass must always be half full. Attitude will always win out in the end and infect all of those around you.

9. Sell Soft

Don't ever hard sell. Solve problems. Satisfy wants. Do what is truly best for your customer.

10. Leave Your Comfort Zone

Never accept the idea that this is the way you've always done it. Never accept that a new idea or technology could never work for you.

Brian Grinonneau is the general manager of McMann and Tate Advertising, an agency that works exclusively with the small business owner to help them stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace where much of the advertising and products look the same.

Culver prom limo ..
In The News:

An artificial intelligence-powered home security system can fire paintballs and tear gas at trespassers. The camera identifies human faces and animals.
Technology expert Kim Komando gives her tips and tricks on enhancing your user experience a smartphone and other devices you use everyday.
A new camera called NUCA uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away clothing in close to real time.
The Kimberley Kube trail-ready camper has a compact but spacious design and combines luxury, functionality and ruggedness for a weekend getaway.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Emails instructing you to reset your password for an account may be legitimate, or they may be scams. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.
Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle aims to revolutionize undersea missions — it glides through the ocean without human assistance.
Learn how to work Google's calendar application to streamline and organize your daily tasks from technology expert Kim Komando.
If you do not want Facebook to have automatic access to your private photos, follow our tips to protect yourself. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson goes into detail about Apple’s recent iOS update that allows iPhone users to instantly translate spoken language simply by using the Action Button.
Safeguarding your digital life with a reliable physical backup isn't just a precaution, it's a necessity. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides the essential backup checklist.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how a Redditor exposed false recycling claims at their apartment, highlighting a report that only 21% of U.S. recyclables are processed.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers a travel toolkit featuring five technology tools to help you with booking flights and hotels for your summer vacation.
The bubble behind the clock on your iPhone can appear in different colors. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what each of those colors mean.
Scammers are using the power of artificial intelligence to mimic voices of people and are using the fake voices to commit crimes, like kidnappings.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the science behind the Invisibility Shield, a 6-foot shield that makes people become invisible.
The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.
Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.
Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.
The Land Aircraft Carrier combines an all-terrain, six-wheeled vehicle with a two-seat aircraft, which features electric vertical takeoff and landing.
The European Union has sent TikTok a "request for information" on the video sharing platform's newest app, TikTok Lite, under the Digital Services Act, with the aim to clean up social media.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
The FBI is warning the public about a recent phishing scam via text that claims its targets owe money in Pennsylvania for unpaid road toll charges.
Your Apple Music settings may be revealing to your contacts what you're listening to. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the process to change those settings.

Do You Need Accounting Software for Your Small Business?

If you're anything like me then you dislike with a... Read More

Starting is the Hardest Part

You can't imagine how many people ask me how I... Read More

Local Government Relations for Small Business

Most small businesses simply go about their daily business and... Read More

Five Simple Software Tips for Small Business Owners

The start of a new year is a time for... Read More

Small Business No How - Dont Give Away the Farm

You're pretty proud of yourself! After all, only four months... Read More

The Single Most Powerful Small Business Marketing Tool On The Planet

Let me get right to the point. The single most... Read More

How to Bond a Business Relationship

When should you create a foundation in order to solidify... Read More

7 Advantages to Incorporating

There's no question that hard work and a little luck... Read More

Consistency with Janitorial and Cleaning Businesses

Consistency is a huge word when operating your business. I... Read More

Advertising - For Small Businesses (Part 1)

Is it right for you?If you decide to advertise your... Read More

Business Checks are an Added Cost to Your Small Business - Try Making Them Yourself!

Starting and managing a small business is no fun chore,... Read More

The More you GIVE the More you GET

Why give freebies?We have all seen freebies at trade shows... Read More

Simple Business Tactics Are Your Key To Success

In a world full of complications sometimes we overlook the... Read More

Small Business 101: Deadly Ignorance

American small business is again in transition. Many employees, now... Read More

Get Free Payroll Forms Download from the Internet

Having a successful business means also having a good working... Read More

The Role of the Business Model and Strategy for Business

People will always stress that having a well researched business... Read More

Awning Cleaning Business Case Study: Entrepreneurship 101

It is most fascinating to study how entrepreneurs spot opportunity... Read More

Small Business Computer Security, the Basics

Anyone in business today realizes both the natural dependency on... Read More

Encouraging Your Customers to Pay On Time

Nothing can drive a business down faster than customers who... Read More

Success Tips for Small Business Owners

Running a small business requires many skills. However, to do... Read More

Looking for a New Office Chair?

Perhaps you are building a new home office or you... Read More

Forming a Corporation ? Investors

You've come up with the best idea since sliced bread,... Read More

Youll See It When You Believe It - Growing Your Business from the Inside Out

What unspoken message are you sending your clients and customers?... Read More

Patient Records - Your Responsibilities

As a practise gets larger & larger the associated problems... Read More

Equipment Maintenance Manual for Mobile Cleaning Business Outline

Service Cleaning Businesses must maintain their equipment in order to... Read More

Wood Dale limo ..