Entrepreneurs going mobile in search of customers

August 18, 2008

Not all states are created equal when it comes to employment. While Michigan, Ohio and Indiana are seeing jobs leave, other states can't find enough workers. Wyoming and Texas are both examples of the latter situation.

Americans have always been a migratory people in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Now the newest wrinkle is that many entrepreneurs are going mobile by coming to customers -- instead of waiting for customers to come to them. For example, mobile dentists in RVs are going to patients or specific businesses. Dog-grooming services and legit massage therapists are also doing the same thing.

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While it may cost entrepreneurs more in fuel to go to customers, they also enjoy lower overhead if they don't have a storefront. The Boston Globe reports one mobile spa company has 700 technicians in 50 states and revenue is up 300%.

So if you're an entrepreneur, what creative thing can you do to generate more customer traffic? Is there a cost-effective way for you to go to the customer?

On the other hand, if you're a worker and you find that opportunity is lacking where you are, you may have to go mobile too!

Retail vacancies mean opportunity for entrepreneurs

August 4, 2008

A few weeks ago, Clark explained why a recession is the best time to start a business. Need more proof? Read on.

Have you noticed vacant storefronts as you drive around? The International Council of Shopping Centers now reports the largest historical increase in vacancies. 1 out of every 7 retail spaces in the United States will vacate this year. That creates great opportunity if you want to open a retail location or a restaurant. Landlords need you! And you're in a powerful negotiating position.

If you have an existing business and your lease is coming up for renewal, once again, you have so much negotiating power. But you must be willing to relocate to a shopping center across the street if need be.

And here's a special warning for entrepreneurs: Make sure you get a kick-out clause in your lease. That will protect you should the anchor retailer vacate from a shopping center. Anchor retailers could be a supermarket, a Target, a Wal-Mart or what have you. If they leave, all the ancillary businesses die as traffic drops off. So a kick-out clause allows you to vacate if the big fish goes elsewhere.

Are you facing a penalty for a kick-out clause? Negotiate a lesser penalty. You've got the upper hand.

Beware of bogus insurance salespeople

January 23, 2008

There are a lot of pseudo health insurance companies out there selling fake plans to employers and individuals. The Wall Street Journal reports that some 200,000 businesses have been taken in by these kinds of rip-offs. ... More

Treat your customers well by treating your employees well

January 11, 2008

Clark loves companies that put the focus on the customer. To name just a few, there's Costco, USAA, Amica Mutual and Southwest Airlines. It's as if these elite companies get up every morning and think, "How can we please our customers?" ... More

Economic slowdown is best time to launch a business

January 8, 2008

It's no secret that people are feeling squeezed and living on fumes during these slow economic times. This has been an ever-present issue among the presidential hopefuls. ... More

More recent Small Business Tips from Clark:

• Beware of bogus insurance salespeople 
• Treat your customers well by treating your employees well 
• Economic slowdown is best time to launch a business 
• Wifi companies now offering free service for businesses 
• Tattoos for cash?! 
• Avoid fat wallet syndrome with a specially built billfold 
• Beware of fine print on reward cards 
• Beware of fine print on reward cards 
• Counterfeit goods infiltrating the high-end electronics market 
• Are you cut out for franchise ownership? 

Complete list of Clark's Small Business Tips