Looking for that conclusive edge in business is akin to seeking the Holy Grail. Clues abound, and yet the moment of triumph feels elusive. Getting the competitive edge you desire, while building an improved customer experience, requires more than just intuitive feelings. You need the hard facts; data that accurately steer your observations in the…
Taking your business to the next level is always at the forefront of any business owners thinking and planning. But even the most carefully thought out plans can be thwarted by events or conditions that often went unnoticed until it is too late.When you learn what is slowing you down, you can use your tools…
You arrive at your store on a Saturday morning and are greeted by a handful of waiting customers. Store traffic picks up around your store quickly on this day, and the air is filled with excitement as your staff, customers, and you are all rushing from place to place. Eating lunch today is a marathon,…
Running a cafe can be a very social experience. You most likely will be on a first-name basis with your regulars, and new customers may seek your advice about anything from upcoming area events to the best place to get an oil change. As part-time barista, part-time personal assistant, and full-time business owner, you need…
Small business owners too often must operate while feeling surrounded by business world pressures. Increasing prices for the products your customers love, the influx of new payment systems, and the continued encroachment of Big Box retail into your bottom line are all working to squeeze your margins. You need to make decisive decisions about…
Many spa owners believe that the only software they need to run their business is an appointment-booking app that helps them manage their employees’ schedules. Boy, are they missing out! Today’s spa business management software serves as the control center for nearly all aspects of running a successful operation. Spa management applications let managers accept…
If you own a coffee shop right now, you’re probably wondering how to stay in business. While the consumer’s desire for the coffee shop experience should mean bulging margins, the simple fact is that you have very real challenges to face. Increased competition, not just from other coffee shops, but from demands on supplies and…
The ability of consumers to drive business technology has been a fascinating development over the last decade. With the introduction of smartphones and emphasis being placed on mobility and near-instant gratifications, businesses must adapt or risk being left behind. But where do you start? How do you go about trying to keep pace with increasing…