John Hayes's blog

I don't believe it.

Used to believe it. Years ago. But I've learned better.

I began consulting with franchisors in 1979. Several years later I interviewed numerous franchisors for my book Franchising: The Inside Story.

Maybe you've thought about buying a franchise but you never seriously considered it because someone told you it's too risky, it's not a good idea, it's for rich people, or it's for people other than you.

Are your press releases being ignored? Find out if you’re doing something wrong with your publicity efforts.

Getting noticed by the media via a press release is a great way to promote your small business. Not only is it free publicity, but it is also more effective in building a positive reputation for your product or company simply because people trust the news more.

With a little creativity, marketing does not have to be costly.

Most small business owners don’t have the resources to launch expensive advertising campaigns to promote their business. Especially if you’re up against big name brands whose ads are all over TV and almost every magazine print ad imaginable. You simply can’t fight fire with fire.

They are going after your customers. Are you prepared to take them on?

For small, independently-owned businesses, new competition only means trouble. Whether it’s a superstore counterpart or another local merchant out to takeaway your customers, local businesses will certainly feel the impact of competition.

Follow these ten ideas from Carl Sewell, author of the best-seller, Customers For Life, and you'll build a more successful business. Carl Sewell is one of the most successful auto dealers in the world. Here's what he says you should do to build a successful business:

1. Ask customers what they want and give it to them again and again.
2. Saying please and thank you doesn't ensure you'll do the job right the first time, every time.

Select Just One Of These Ideas And Use It In The Next 90 Days!
PART 3 OF A 3 PART SERIES

Here's an idea that big companies use all the time ...no reason you shouldn't use it in your business, too! A meeting with a marketing executive from almost any Fortune 1000 company sooner or later will touch on the subject of "industry drivers." It's important to understand what "drives" your industry. What are the compelling reasons that make consumers buy your product or service? Why do people decide to remodel their bath rooms and kitchens? Why do people decide to have their carpets cleaned? Why do people replace plumbing or pipes or heating and air conditioning units or electrical wiring? Get the point?

Select One Idea And Use It In The Next 90 Days!
Part 2 of a 3 part series

Here is yet another idea to help you focus on your niche market. Go to the Equifax site on the worldwide web at http://www.ends.com and play the Lifestyle Game. By entering a U.S. postal zip code, you can learn more about the demographics of that particular market. You can use this information to plan more effective direct mailings!

Select Just One Of These Ideas And Use It In The Next 90 Days!
This is Part 1 of a 3 Part Series

This idea helps build credibility and leads to more sales! On the reverse side of your business cards, print the names and phone numbers of three of your top customers who will give you great references. Give these cards to your prospects and encourage them to contact your customers for references. Get permission from your customers beforehand, of course.