Summer Vacation!

My family and I will be leaving for a fun-filled, relaxing vacation in the morning!

As entrepreneurs and small-business owners, we all know how important it is to get away sometimes and enjoy some downtime. For me, I have a fabulous assistant named Rachel who is perfectly capable of handling things while I'm gone. What a great feeling!

So, I'll see you all back here the first week of August with some new ideas, posts, and guest bloggers, too.

Happy Summer!

Putting your customers to work for you

Almost a year ago, we began having the visitors to our bridal boutique fill out a "bridal registration" form, giving us their names, e-mails, wedding dates, and how they found our store.

This last peice of information has certainly helped me know where to put our advertising energy and dollars. Nearly 90% of brides who visit our store for the first time have heard about us from another customer!

So, we started both formal and informal "Referral Plans", to thank our customers who send someone our way. I still do some paid advertising, but I also enjoy finding ways to "pay" our customers for advertising for us, too.

Although we do not track this information at the dry cleaners currently, we will often reward a customer who refers someone to that business, too.

Remember, if your budget or business does not allow you to formally compensate your customers, an old-fashioned hand-written "thank you" note is always appreciated!

Will this work for you? Should you track this information? Should your referral program be formal or informal? perhaps a combination of both?

Weekend Wisdom

Still great business advice ::

Underpromise and Overdeliver!

Visit Me

A quick note...

I was featured on Pink Like The Color as "Working Mom of the Week". Come visit and leave me some love!

...Tami

Book Review :: Just Do Something

This is not necessarily a business book, but a book for life.

Written from a Bible-believing perspective, this book by Kevin DeYoung is a must-read for anyone who is searching for God's "will for your life".

Should I start a business? Where should I work? Should I look for a new opportunity? We've all asked these questions. As a Christian, I want to please God and follow His plan for my life.

Read this book!!! You will find it encouraging, liberating, and helpful in every area of your life.

Book Review :: The Six Common Small Business Failures

...and how to avoid them! is written by Frederick Jones.

Fred writes in a no-nonsense, pull-no-punches style. There is alot to digest in this book, and it is not a quick read. However, to the one diligent enough to work through the book, a reward of added wisdom awaits.

Fred shares personal examples of both success and failure. He works as a consultant for small businesses, and so has a wealth of experience to draw on; the book is full of great advice.

You can find more information on the book and Frederick Jones at http://www.donotfail.info/

Book Review :: How To Become A Great Boss

This book, by Jeffrey J. Fox, is sub-titled "The Rules for Getting and Keeping the Best Employees".

The short chapters make it an easy read. Some of the chapters are simple, common-sense ideas, like "You Get What You Inspect, Not What You Expect". Other chapters, such as "Listen to Phonies, Fools, and Frauds", draw you in to read what Mr. Fox really means.

It is a fun, easy book to read, just a chapter or two at a time. You will probably find a few ideas to put to work right away.

Weekend Wisdom

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,

and loving favor than silver or gold.

Proverbs 17:1 KJV

Share :: How to Properly Store Fabrics

Through Blogger LinkUp, I connected with Denise, who writes a blog at www.sewingbusiness.com. She asked me to share some of my expertise on storing fabrics, based on my years in the drycleaning business.

Please visit her blog and leave me some love!

Jonny Says :: How to Dress

I have a VERY business-minded 10-year-old son named Jonathan. We call him Jonny.

This morning, we were discussing business and how to dress when you work in a retail store. Here are Jonny's thoughts:

1. Book Store :: Dress casual, but neat. This will encourage your customers to relax and read a book. In order to read a book, you first have to buy a book.

2. Bridal Store :: Men should wear tuxes because it will encourage other people to rent them. The customers will know that the store carries tuxes and that they look good on regular people. Ladies should wear dark, simple dresses that are a little "festive". Try to wear the jewelry that you sell at the store.

3. Candy Store :: Wear casual clothes. Candy can get messy sometimes, so don't wear your best clothes.

Jonny's summary :: Advertise your store with what you wear. Always be neat, even if you are casual. If you look messy, people might not want to shop by you.

Stay tuned..."Jonny Says" may become a regular feature on this blog.

Weekend Wisdom

As you celebrate America's Independence Day :: shop independent!

Celebrate the local business people in your community.

Share :: Everything Green Weddings

A week or so ago, I shared Blogger LinkUp with you. Since signing up for the service about 10 days ago, I have already connected with other bloggers and business people interested in sharing content and ideas.


Today, the Everything Green Weddings blog published a post that I wrote entitled "Enjoying Vintage Wedding Gowns". I would honored if you would visit the blog and leave some love in the comments!