Finding the best customers for your business
Some clients aren’t worth the headaches. Advance vetting and precautions can spare you the pain.
Chris Walker, Phoenix
I started a concierge service on a tight budget. I am not looking to conquer the world in a day. I would like to attract the “right” customer and grow the business within my means. What would be the best methods to find that “right” customer?
Comment
DiggExpanding a niche business
Ricky, Orlando, Fla.
I am looking to buy an out-of-state business. The company currently handles hotels and transportation bookings for airline crews and a few corporations. I would like to open an office in my hometown and focus on the film industry and engineering companies who have extended stays in many cities. How can I expand the category of business? What should I expect with this challenge?
Advertising your business online
Ricky, Los Angeles
I’m buying a hotel booking company, and I understand the importance of advertising. How do I advertise on the Web? I would like to target companies only in certain fields.
How snack companies snag in-flight deals
Tim is trying to sell his healthy snacks to airlines. Have any other suggestions as to how he can do this?
Valuing a business you’d like to acquire
Have you recently considered purchasing a business? How did you evaluate it? Share your experiences here.
Can I write off my international travel?
Reader Nancy asked FSB about deducting travel expenses. How do you deduct your travel expenses? Share your advice.
High-flying online marketing tips
A boutique travel-agency planner seeks ideas for building site traffic. What do you recommend?
How do I start blogging?
FSB recommends blog software applications that are popular with small businesses. Seasoned bloggers: what are we missing?
Is my business franchise-worthy?
FSB suggests taking it slow to find out. If you’ve had successes or failures making your business a franchise, talk about it here.
Features-
In a tough economy, more business owners are bartering for the stuff they need. More -
In Oregon, the Recovery Act is paying for a local small business to protect nearby communities from wildfires. More -
Smart entrepreneurs are now doing deals in 140 characters or less on Twitter. More -
As more customers choose - or are forced - to fill prescriptions by mail, independent pharmacies are struggling to survive. More -
A Texas hospitality company considers where to invest and where to cut back to weather the recession. More -
How 7 innovative companies are inspiring workers and boosting the bottom line. More -
42 startups duked it out in the world's most lucrative business plan competition. We trailed one team to the bitter end. More
