Business Survival in Today's Retail World

Chicken Little never had such a wonderful week--seems for a lot of us, the sky really is falling...

Case in point, after ten months in a retail location, our brick and mortar gift store is closing its doors. The economy was a big factor but so were a lot of tedius obstacles such as limited to no signage allowed in or in front of the shopping center, a two story wine store pops up in front or ours after the lease is signed (no visibility from the street), other tenants have totally unrelated markets than ours, and a few more I wouldn't want to bore you with (unless you need good advice on what NOT to do).

Our store wasn't the only one--five others in town with the same market focus folded before we did. Ours was the last to go---but guess what? We are the only one of those five who will still be in business! What's the big difference? Our busines is ONLINE--has been for three years. So we can happily announce to our customers "We are not going out of business--just moving it to our website". That's where they are shopping anyway, so goodbye landlord.

Businesses see the crunch of gas shortages--even ours made the news:
http://www.pr.com/press-release/108176

Now more than ever---a business online just makes a lot of sense. Beyond the savings in overhead over a brick and mortar store is the ability to own lots and lots of internet "real estate". More websites, more businesses and business formats to pursue. Physical products, digital products, drop ship, affiliate programs, referral commissions--what a plethera of options! And only one electric bill to pay...

Getting started with a business online is on the mind of people of all walks of life. Many a grandmother would shock you with the sales they make online. Why not you?
If getting that first website up is a challenge, read what I had to say about it on my blog at

http://how2booksandvideos.blogspot.com/ A really great tool is offered there that you just might want to check out if you are curious about where to start and need the right "toolbox".

The Big Idea in your head--now what do you do?

You are considering opening a small business. Congratulations! You have taken the first step in a process of being in charge of your own income. Scary doesn't begin to describe it but think back to when you first learned to drive. That was pretty intimidating, wasn't it? All those big, heavy metal machines able to crush you at your first mistake. But you mastered it, right? Well, it takes practice, experience, and motivation to learn how to accomplish your goals so if you have begun to ask questions, you will begin to get answers.


Start with a checklist--
pack your entrepreneurial back pack and be prepared for this journey!


There are some very important tasks you must address (whether for a home based business or a small retail business or an online business). Once in place, you can truly concentrate on your ultimate goal--making your small business succeed.

You will hear that you must create a "business plan" as the very first step. Don't get too intimidated by it. It is more of a "rehearsal" for the business you have chosen to launch. The following check list will open your eyes to the absolutes in starting a business--a business plan will fill in the blanks of questions you never knew were to be considered.

A business plan is never straight forward--you must let it evolve as you explore this wonderous idea of yours. It can help you make real choices on paper before hanging out that shingle. You will evaluate everything and find answers for yourself and for those invested with you. Think of it as a roadmap but with detours and scenic routes that will all take you to your destination no matter what turns you take. Start with sample business plans from other similar businesses and get an idea of what to expect.

Before you get too overwhelmed by the business plan,

put it aside and come back to it after doing all the "must do" tasks we will cover one by one in this blog. Post your comments and questions about each step so we may cover the subjects in more detail.