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
limo prices to midway Crystal Lake west of Randal .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareCleaning concrete is tough and there is an easy way... Read More
You've heard marketing and advertising gurus quip, "Sell the sizzle,... Read More
During the California Recall Election, I was very interested. Without... Read More
Lance Armstrong this week won an unprecedented 7th Tour de... Read More
Last summer the FTC put forth a report and then... Read More
Why are Chambers a good launching pad?Chambers provide you with... Read More
Setting priorities in your business? Your first job is to... Read More
1. Leadership Is Learned ? While many people appear to... Read More
Ask anyone trapped in a cubical about their entrepreneurial dream... Read More
"What do you do?" It just might be one of... Read More
Do you own a franchised business? Over 400,000 franchised businesses... Read More
Most business owners know when they need an accountant, but... Read More
Today required franchise disclosure documents are over 200 pages generally.... Read More
Starting the blind cleaning business is one of the best... Read More
First you have to start with knowing your budget and... Read More
Traditional advertising methods are still being used for almost 90%... Read More
You bet a name is important. Many small business owners... Read More
You've heard it before; we're living in an information age.... Read More
Costs of over regulation and over disclosure end up hurting... Read More
As an Investment Representative you've worked hard to build trust... Read More
Thankfully, most of us will never find out. That is... Read More
Is your business making money? Would you know?Figuring out whether... Read More
Work smarter, not harderWhat is one of the best ways... Read More
People will always stress that having a well researched business... Read More
The choice to incorporate a small business in Florida has... Read More
taxi o'hare Auburn ..One major issue not being addressed right now in the... Read More
-- Beyond Cold Calling, "Warm" Calling and Sending E-mails --Many... Read More
The success of your business depends on your ability to... Read More
A corporate shell could be liken to a house that... Read More
Attorneys and Lawyers are ruining the franchise industry. It is... Read More
There is significant competition in auto detailing and car washing.... Read More
In a perfect world, starting a small business would be... Read More
Running a business on the net these days can be... Read More
Most new small businesses won't be in business this time... Read More
One of the critical success factors for service-related businesses is... Read More
American small business is again in transition. Many employees, now... Read More
Most small businesses incorporated in 2005 will fail by the... Read More
If you run a pressure washing company in a rural... Read More
WHEN you are operating or planning a small business that... Read More
As small business managers, we juggle limited resources in a... Read More
One of the hidden perks of raising six children is... Read More
There are only a handful of car wash franchises in... Read More
Those who are in the pressure washer business should not... Read More
Many investors and business ethics professionals are calling for more... Read More
Hogwash!That's what I say to people who tell me that... Read More
Many times small businesses want to expand their businesses and... Read More
I recently met with a very successful magazine publisher who... Read More
As a practitioner and student of Small Business Marketing, I... Read More
How do we keep track of our business deals?If you... Read More
One of the major complaints in the QSR Quick Service-Fast... Read More
Small Business |