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 Speaking of business..."
 
Author: Dr. Philip R. Geist Created: 4/3/2007 1:42 PM


"Issues, events, and topics that affect small businesses. A source of information for current and future entrepreneurs."

Is the sky falling... or is it just rain?
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 9/23/2007 4:43 PM
Recent economic forecasts for Florida range from "doom and gloom" to optimism. Was Chicken Little right or are we just experiencing a "passing storm?" Metaphorically speaking, do we just need an umbrella or should we be building a storm shelter? Let's try to understand the impact of economic changes on local businesses...
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Just what business ARE you in?
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 9/15/2007 9:44 AM
In order to have a marketing advantage over the competition, it pays to know WHAT you sell and WHO you sell to. Do you know these characteristics for your business? It may not be as simple as it seems. Read on...
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Less for More, or, Running Harder to Stay in Place...
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 9/3/2007 10:18 AM
As a consumer and a businessperson, you have noticed that prices are going up and cost of doing business is increasing. What is happening and can you do anything about it?
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Ah yes... the weather!
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 8/27/2007 8:43 AM
Well the dog days of August are here with their heat, humidity, and occassional torrential rain. As apparent temperatures run into the triple digits, some businesses reap extra profits while others bide their time until milder weather arrives. How is your business affected by weather?
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Thinking Green, Selling Green, Making Green...
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 8/18/2007 7:42 PM
Kermit the Frog tells us "It Isn't Easy Being Green," but for most small businesses it can be the responsible thing to do, ecologically sound, and profitable. Read on to see how being green and selling green can help you "make green" in greater amounts as your profits rise...
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Is this a good time to take out a loan to expand?
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 8/8/2007 12:49 PM
If only we had hindsight beforehand! Things to consider about borrowing money to expand your business include the state of the economy, the role your business plays in that economy, the cost of capital, the expected rate of return, and missed opportunities....
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A fair day's pay for a fair day's work...
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 7/30/2007 7:54 AM
As an employer, payroll will be one of your major expenses, if not THE major expense. Just how much should you pay an employee for a particular job? What is the REAL cost of that employee? How much should you expect from them in terms of productivity? Read on for some insight into these issues.
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Dare to Bare? Doing Business Naked...
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 7/22/2007 12:12 PM
No, this blog does not refer to the business practices of that establishment with all the billboards along I-75. The issue today is insurance coverage and the growing number of businesses that are dropping, or considering dropping their insurance coverage. Just what are the benefits and risks?
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Why isn't the phone ringing and what can I do about it?
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 7/13/2007 2:39 PM
If the stock market is hitting new highs and inflation is under control, where are the customers? Is your business among those that have become mired in the 'summer doldrums'? If so what can you do about it? Read on...
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Looking into the crystal ball...
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 7/5/2007 6:48 AM
We hear a lot about "leading edge" companies today, almost every issue of any business magazine highlights one of them. So just what is "leading edge" and how does it apply to small business?
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And the winner is... YOU!
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 6/24/2007 11:54 PM
The recipe for increasing business in general, getting customers to return more often, building goodwill, and increasing the value of your business has just a few simple ingredients: A fishbowl or vase, 3" x 5" cards, the willingness to invest some time and a small amount of money, and a desire to be successful. Easily created in a few hours, results become noticeable in just a few months, with significant returns by the end of a year. Intrigued? Read on...
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It Isn't Your Grandmothers Business... The New Model of Women in Business!
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 6/18/2007 5:57 AM
I just read "How She Does It: How Women Entrepreneurs Are Changing The Rules of Business Success" by Margaret Hefferman. The book presents a new view of businesses started and run by women, and the rules they use to achieve success.
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Where's the beef? Why is Spam on the menu?
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 6/12/2007 8:39 PM
If it looks like Spam, smells like Spam, and tastes like Spam... it must be Spam? What do McDonald's and Burger King know about niche markets that can help your business? Read on...
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SBA Disaster Loans are available for businesses affected by the current drought!
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 6/10/2007 2:54 AM
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JULY 2nd. If your business has had reduced income or increased expenses this year as a result of the drought, you may be eligible for a SBA Disaster Loan. Loans can be up to $1.5 million at 4% interest for 30 years.
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Finding The Treasure Within...
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 6/4/2007 5:28 AM
Recently, I have beccome frustrated with packaging and decided to talk with several business owners to look at it from their perspective...
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Do you Logo?
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 5/27/2007 7:04 AM
Do you use your logo to promote your business, or other companies logos to boost your sales? If not, you may want to boost your use of graphics.
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"Heard it on the Grapevine..."
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 5/22/2007 8:24 AM
On my recent monthly trip to the barbershop (this fair-haired boy has less hair every year, so snip-trips become more infrequent) it occured to me that a great deal of business information was being tossed about. I wonder how much other guys learn about business at the barber, and whether women have the same experience at the hair salon.
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Neither Rain, Nor Snow may stop the mail, but two cents will!
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 5/14/2007 8:09 PM
Postage rates rise today! Even if you "put the check in the mail" it may not get through unless you remembered to add two cents to the envelope. A quick review of postage costs and the small business...
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On the Road Again
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 5/14/2007 11:10 AM
My work takes me to several counties on a regular basis and I am always looking for ways to make the drive time "more productive." I've talked with several people who also have a lot of "steering wheel time" and wonder how others who drive a lot use their time.
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Winning with Street Sense...
By Dr. Philip R. Geist on 5/6/2007 7:04 PM
Wow, what a Derby! Street Sense came from next-to-last in a 20 horse race and won by two and a half lengths. Just what does this have to do with business? The metaphor is too tempting to pass up. Many times, "gut feel" or "street smarts" are what it takes to succeed.
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