Good Business Books to Read for Small Business
As with any worthwhile endeavor, operating a small business requires a great deal of preparation. Small business owners should do their homework before they open, and continue learning from the experts to successfully navigate the terrain of company ownership. Fortunately, there is a wealth of information from which to choose. Every year, many small business owners and entrepreneurs read books regarding business management and entrepreneurism, but some continually pop up on must-read lists. Here are our top books, we suggest you read, especially if you are looking for a franchise opportunity:
Lead with LUV: A Different Way to Create Real Success, by Colleen Barrett and Ken Blanchard: A conversation between Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager, and Barrett, President of the highly successful Southwest Airlines. This book describes a masterful way to lead, and how to use it to achieve exceptional business results.- Various books by Seth Godin: He is an entrepreneur, author and public speaker who popularized the concept of permission marketing. Plentiful and well worth the read, his books have a broad appeal, and include:
- Linchpin – This book is a bestseller that ties his ideas together.
- Big Red Fez – A book about websites that work.
- Permission Marketing – This classic was named “best business book” by Fortune Magazine.
- Purple Cow – A book about remarkable products and services.
- Unleashing The Ideavirus – Read this book to learn how to create ideas that spread.
- Built to Last, and Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap … and Others Don’t, both by Jim Collins: Collins is a business consultant, author and lecturer whose books deal with company sustainability. Companies of all sizes can benefit from his advice and insights.
- The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything, by Stephen M.R. Covey: Written by Stephen R. Covey’s son, this book shows how trust is vital to a successful business.
- Biblical Leadership, by Ken Collier: Leadership is a privilege that brings responsibility, and a biblical approach to leadership, encouraging integrity and humility, is presented in this book.
- Quantum Leadership: A Textbook of New Leadership, by Timothy Porter-O’Grady: Written for leaders in the healthcare industry, this book suggests strategies designed to help leaders create a healing environment.
- Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress Free Productivity, by David Allen: This book offers a practical organization system that can help you handle your to-do list and manage all the pieces of information involved in running a business.
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey: Another book that was not written specifically for businesses, this offers insights regarding how to deal with yourself and other people.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie: This book is just as pertinent today as it was when it was written, almost 75 years ago. Though it is not technically for businesses, the insights it offers are invaluable when trying to build relationships in every aspect of your business, from customers, to partners, to investors.
Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list, and new books hit the market every week. Even when you are busy running a small business, it is important to make time to keep up with trends and information, to stay at the top of your industry. If you are looking to be a part of a franchise that helps to keep franchisees one step ahead of the crowd, with excellent support and up-to-date information, consider Interstate All Battery Center.
The Effectiveness of Employee Training
It is vital for a small business to measure the effectiveness of employee training in order to successfully scale and operate their business. Without proper training, and empowering your people to do each of their jobs with the utmost confidence, you will forever spin your wheels and not reach the goals you have set out for your business.
Fortunately, the franchise opportunity with Interstate All Battery Center offers built-in employee training programs.
Best Business Blogs for Small Business
One of the most important things a small business owner can do is stay abreast of trends and information. Fortunately, in today’s high-tech world, keeping up is easier than ever, with the Internet providing access to plenty of information at your fingertips. The Internet contains such a large and varied assortment of blogs that it can be hard to navigate. Here are a few great marketing, business, and industry trends best business blogs we recommend you read, especially if you are looking for a franchise opportunity or small business opportunity:
- Duct Tape Marketing - Highlighting cheap marketing methods, this site is chock-full of innovative ideas.
- Marketing Vox – This news site offers up-to-date information about the rapidly changing world of marketing, and it is full of detailed information about Industry trends, industry developments, marketing developments,.
- Seth Godin’s Blog – This marketing guru has authored more than a dozen informative books, and shares his knowledge online as well. His blog is pithy, provocative and definitely worth a read!
- All Business Blog Center - This clearinghouse for business blogs offers straightforward talk on a variety of basic topics.
- Church of the Customer - Focusing on creating customer loyalty, this site offers a look at the triumphs and miscues of both small and large businesses.
- Small Business Trends - Founded by a former executive with Bell & Howell, this ambitious blog tracks national and international trends.
- Business Works - Detailing the experience of a small business owner, this site offers a thorough look into the entrepreneurial process. This is a must-read for anyone starting a business.
- Entrepreneurial Mind - The director for the Center for Entrepreneurship at Belmont University offers advice on a broad range of topics, with a site that is both informative and charmingly folksy.
- Small Business Brief - This site features scores of links to small business articles across the web, and is the equivalent of a business magazine with high-quality content.
Of course, this list is just the beginning. No matter what your field, you can find numerous blogs tailored to your business. As one of the nation’s top franchisors, Interstate All Battery Center provides an enormous amount of support and resources to its franchisees. While you are researching small business opportunities, it is a good idea to give them a look: They may provide just the opportunity for you.
The Importance of Creating a Multiple Stream of Income
The Importance of Creating a Multiple Stream of Income is that it frees you up from having to worry about your financial security. Owning an Interstate All Battery Center Franchise is perfect franchise opportunity for you as an added stream of income.
If you are looking to start a franchise, fill out our request info packet form or contact us to inquire further!
Also, leave a comment on how you effectively create a multiple stream of income for yourself!
Top 10 Community Involvement Ideas for Businesses: No. 2 Following Your Heart
People like to do business with companies they feel support their belief systems and work toward common goals. As a locally involved citizen, you will connect with your community in a more meaningful way. This connection creates a mutually beneficial experience, which enhances your community while helping to grow your business. So, show it. When you get involved in your community, you create a circle of benefits: The community improves, the community feels a connection with you and your business grows. Often, as you take a franchise opportunity, you need to start thinking about your community outreach in order to make the community aware of your new franchise. Here are some community involvement ideas for businesses to connect more deeply with the people in your community:
Sponsor school events.Whether a science fair, a talent show, a book drive or similar event, your participation in school events make for perfect opportunities to give back to the community while promoting your business.
Volunteer! Encouraging volunteerism among your employees, and volunteering personally, is a great way to improve the local community. Have a companywide volunteer day. They are great team-building exercises that make a big impact on your local neighborhood. Participate in a Habitat for Humanity home, spend a day feeding the hungry or sign up to work in the community garden. Volunteer: It’s good for the soul and good for the community.
Partner with a charity.Hosting a charity event helps a cause and fosters interest in your business. Another great way to help a charity is though cause-related marketing, which promotes a cause while benefiting a business by improving consumer perception. According to a Cone/Duke University study, 89 percent of Americans say they would be more likely to switch brands in favor of a brand that supports a good cause.
Feed the hungry.Organize a canned good drive, perhaps offering a discount for customer participation. Donate to a local food bank. Get a group of employees together and man the local soup kitchen for a day. At Christmas, “adopt” a needy family through a program like “Angel Tree,” to make a big difference in someone’s life.
Adopt a block.Even if your town does not have an official program, schedule one afternoon a month for an all-staff event that involves cleaning up a block on your street. Sweep sidewalks and pick up trash while wearing company T-shirts.
Giving back locally promotes your business while making a positive impact on people’s lives. It also builds morale among your staff members, and this is no secret to Interstate Batteries®. The company has always been committed to community outreach and encourages the same sort of involvement among its franchisees. Visit our website to learn more or join the online community on Facebook or Twitter and share your ideas on ways to give back.
Owning a Franchise: Entrepreneurs see Great Value
If you are looking to own a franchise as an entrepreneur you are in for a great value. You already have the passion and the drive, so think about how seamless you could use your skills to run several franchises. Franchise entrepreneurs often see great returns and due to their drive, tend to see owning a franchise as little investment of time or money.
For more information on a franchise opportunity visit www.allbatteryfranchise.com
Top 5 of 10 Ways to Get Involved: The Importance of Community Involvement. No 1. Using your Head
Being a small business owner puts you face-to-face with the public each day, and their support is vital to the success of your enterprise. The more you are involved in the community, the more you will help your business grow and with the many franchise opportunities abound in the marketplace, your community is vital for your success. Here are a few intelligent ways to get involved:
Join the Chamber of Commerce. The local chamber of commerce provides a great opportunity to network and get your name out to the community. It’s not enough to simply join this organization; the true benefits come from being an active participant. Doing so enables you to build a network of contacts that enhances your standing in the community and generate potential customers as well.- Connect with community leaders. Network, not only with other business owners, but also with local political and nonprofit leaders. Make it known that you are interested in being proactive in community matters.
- Find a citizen’s advisory group. These small groups of concerned citizens exist to influence community decisions on a variety of issues. Think about which one piques your interest and get involved. This not only increases the scope of your network, it will help you to impact your community in a tangible way, by giving you an opportunity to contribute to public policy regarding issues that are important to you.
- Sponsor local sporting events. There is perhaps no more time-honored tradition in community involvement than sponsoring local sporting events. Your corporate name on the jerseys at youth sporting events offers great publicity, and the events themselves are excellent opportunities to conduct special contests and promotions to attract new business.
- Stay informed. Make a point of understanding the issues facing your community. The more you know, the more you will find ways to become involved. Make an impact, and then continue to be a dynamic and proactive part of local society. An easy way to stay informed is by subscribing to your local newspaper or reading the online version.
Many small business owners make the decision to get more involved not only to benefit the neighborhood, but also to benefit their business. Interstate Batteries® has been making an impact in local communities since 1952 and encourages franchisees to get out there and make a difference in their neighborhoods. Visit the website for more information, or join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter to share your ideas for giving back. Read our next installment as we round out the top ten with five more ways to get involved in your community.
Owning Multiple Franchises
Are you already a Franchise owner? Owning multiple franchises is a perfect opportunity for you to continue your already created revenue stream. Owning an Interstate All Battery Franchise, is a perfect second franchise for your busy lifestyle , as we walk you through the entire process and provide valuable resources. Take advantage of this franchise opportunity today.
How to Find a Good Location for a Business
When planning a retail business, and especially for a franchise opportunity, you must consider many factors, on how to find a good location for a business. There’s a reason the proverbial three most important things in real estate are “location, location, location.” Finding the ideal location for a retail store can be intimidating, particularly in a slow economy. With a little common sense, you can plant your business in a location that will help it to bloom and grow into a profitable venture.
Know your customers. To truly understand your demographics, you need to have an accurate idea of where people will want to shop. Once you have identified your target market, use U.S. Census Bureau information to identify the highest concentration of your most profitable customers. Then make your location convenient to them.- Consider convenience. Many businesses die because they are difficult to reach. If your parking lot has a confusing entrance, or customers must turn around to get to you, they will be less likely to pop in and get to know you. Also, think about your neighbors. For example, don’t place a high-end boutique next a thrift store. But the same boutique may prove profitable next to a salon.
- Choose visibility. A corner location can attract people coming from all directions. But areas with heavy traffic may deter potential customers. People want to drive to your store, not be stuck next to it.
- Scope out the competition. For some businesses, it is a bad idea to be too near the competition, but many small business owners have found that a shared location can be beneficial. Think of this: Your biggest competitors spend a great deal of time, energy and money choosing a location and driving traffic to it. Why not piggyback on their hard work, and share the customer base? The more mainstream your product’s appeal, the better it is to co-locate. Specialty stores will be a destination all on their own, so proximity to competitors is not as important.
- Mind your budget. Most experts recommend planning to spend 10% of sales to cover both rent and advertising. Keep that in mind to make good decisions about how much you can reasonably afford.
- Think on your feet. Give serious consideration to foot traffic. This may mean choosing a location on a street with high pedestrian traffic, or it may mean a shopping center with a strong anchor tenant. An eye-catching sign and plentiful parking will help your business thrive.
Talk to owners of surrounding businesses before making a final decision on your location, such as local commercial real estate experts, as they know upcoming road construction issues or any new real estate developments coming in the near future. Knowing how other companies have fared will give you valuable insight into your own chances for success. Franchisees have an advantage, because a good franchisor will provide solid information and support to help choose the perfect spot. Interstate Batteries provides franchisees with plenty of training and the expertise they need to run a successful retail business. For more information on how to be a part of the estimated $86.2 billion battery industry, fill out a request for more information form, or join our online community on Facebook or Twitter.
Marketing Ideas for Small Business
When you are first taking the leap to start your first business, it is a scary thought of how you will effectively market to reach your target audience. Taking the franchise opportunity with Interstate All Battery Center, gives you access to several marketing ideas for small business, through Interstate Batteries University. Let us know in the comments section what ideas you have for marketing ideas for small business!
