Start-up: January 2004 Archives

No matter if you are a software start-up, trying to build a consulting business, or creating a service business of any kind, you should take a look at this posting at startupskills.com. For any business that is selling services or software, this article correctly argues that you need to remember that you are not selling your software or service, but rather a solution to a potential customer?s problem. Their problem is something tangible and real to them. Your software or services usually are not. Therefore, sell to what they understand and to what will move them to act: a solution to their problem.

I have been getting more and more calls from folks thinking about opening up a retail business. This is typical as an economy begins to recover. Probably the single biggest risk, especially in the days of big box stores like Best Buy and Wal-Mart, is poorly manged inventory and pricing. We offer this classic article from the archives of INC magazine to any of you who are thinking about or acting on a plan to go into retail or are expanding your current retail operation.