Exports as a means of company growth has gotten a lot of attention in the news recently with Obama’s National Export Initiative, one in which the President plans to double exports over the next five years to support two million jobs in America.

In the following Q&A, Damon Schechter, founder and CEO of Shipwire e-commerce product fulfillment service, addresses the “why” and “how” small businesses can begin selling their products around the world. 

Q: I understand that your company has seen a surge in exports by small businesses. Can you please tell us a little more about that including ways in which smaller business can grow their businesses by “going global”? 

According to our research, sales to foreign buyers – as a percentage of overall sales – by small to medium sized e-commerce merchants has grown from virtually 0 in 2007, to 9% in 2008, to 20% in 2009. And, we’re seeing even greater number of small businesses export in 2010. Though shipments have been spread to destinations around the world, the primary ones are to major markets in Canada and the U.K. We’re also beginning to see a lot of demand for American exports in Asia Pac, and Australia, specifically. 

Q: We always hear about globalization; but, isn’t that just impacting big companies?
 
Not anymore! For years, big companies have seen large markets overseas and had the supply chain and sales experience to enter these growth markets.  However, small businesses now are seeing global opportunities that they were either a) unaware of or b) were simply unprepared to take advantage of.   Today, if a company has a fast selling product that they think they can sell in another country the only thing that stops them from entering that market is the degree of their desire.  These newly global businesses can tap into known marketplaces or a trusted distributor, get their local advertising on demand from Google and store and ship product in the local market with a third party logistics company. 
 
Q: What does “globalization” really mean when it comes to e-commerce?
 
When it comes to selling over the internet there is a “push and a pull” effect.  The pull effect is customer demand.  So, if you have a globally attractive product, overseas buyers may pull you into an overseas market with demand.  This is especially true with the viral “border-less” nature of some marketing campaigns.  The push effect is when a business looks at an overseas market and sees future profits.  Today there is nothing to stop them from entering into that market and competing.  Because of the “borderless” nature of online selling, smaller e-commerce companies are going to be the vanguard for SMB globalization.
 
Q: Why is Globalization now starting to accelerate for smaller businesses?

 
It seems that the tools are now in place to allow businesses of all sizes to have a global supply chain.  It’s no longer true that you need a multi-million dollar product line or budget to benefit from overseas sourcing and selling.  There are a suite of on-demand tools for managing everything from advertising to shipping.
 
Q: What is the biggest obstacle facing the overseas seller?

 
Successful overseas sellers are the ones who can find buyers at the least cost and get the product into those buyers’ hands in the shortest amount of time and with the least hassles.   There are only a few ways to get the product into the buyers’ hands.  International shipping by some method has always been the default; however, the distance makes it expensive and it can take days or weeks to get the product to the buyer which isn’t good for repeat business.  If the buyer needs to return the product for whatever reason, international shipping back is a poor option for buyer and seller.  Small businesses need to take a page from the playbook of the largest sellers and store product in the local market in a local warehouse.  Shipping from a local warehouse means that there is no international shipping cost, the product gets to the buyer in a reasonable amount of time and the product can be returned to a local warehouse.  Ideally, a small seller will have instant access to a global warehouse network service so it can cut its shipping costs and delivery time-lines.  Such services are modeled on the success based, pay only for what you use offerings pioneered to SMBs by Google and PayPal.
 
Q: What are the things small businesses need to consider before moving products overseas for sale?
 
Assuming there is some market demand for the product and/or the business has a marketing plan, typically it’s best to focus on one’s top selling products.  For most businesses, 20% of the product catalog will generate 80% of the sales.  Focusing on just the best sellers will help limit the problem set. Businesses should also think about the customs and duties implications of bulk shipping into a local market.  Borders are a reality in the physical world even when online software and the Internet has made borders less of a concern for closing business online.  Sellers that do their homework can be assured that their products won’t get held up in customs.  

Damon Schechter is the founder and CEO or Shipwire, a provider of outsourced e-commerce product fulfillment with warehouses in the United States, Canada and Europe. Outsourcing storage and shipping hassles allows businesses to focus on global expansion and keeps costs down.   Reach shipwire at www.shipwire.com

Photo Credit: fdecomite

Want to be our next guest author? Click here for details…

 
My joy was short lived. After waiting about a month for a client to pay me on a (5 day net) creative project, the check came in the mail. I did the “happy dance” ‘til I was dizzy!

Getting paid would allow me to catch up on some of my obligations as a small business owner myself, already struggling in a struggling economy.

I began to figure out my bills and hope for a few left over dollars to do a

mini-splurge at the local thrift store.

Before the ink could dry on the check, the client contacted me. She asked me not to cash it, as the funds would not “officially” be available for another week due to an unanticipated emergency. Needless to say, I was shocked and devastated.

The check was already late, and based upon my income projections, I promised to pay several of my vendors. Her not honoring her word prevented me from honoring mine. And unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time.

Not long before that, a publisher with whom I had enjoyed a long-term business relationship, came down with a bad bout of the flu, and extended his apologies for not being able to issue checks because he was bed-ridden for two weeks.

Life happens. That goes without saying. But just because you’re a “small” business owner doesn’t mean you should be “small time” in the way you conduct your business or handle crisis management. In fact, you should be more prepared for mishaps due to fewer resources. The buck stops with you!

Not providing for “the worst case scenario” can cause irreparable damage and affect your ability to compete with larger businesses; ultimately costing you in terms of customer loyalty, client confidence, and bottom line objectives.

After all, folks figure if you can’t handle your business challenges, why should they trust you with theirs?

Whether you manage a staff of one or 91, here are a few business practices you should employ to cover your assets and protect your bottom line.

EXPECT THE BEST BUT PREPARE FOR THE WORST

Do you have a back up if your files are destroyed on your hard drive? Do you have systems and people in place if you become ill or need to take a vacation? Are your records well kept if someone needs to temporarily assume your duties, or establish a paper trail of your activities? Could your business recover if you lost a key client? These are all points to consider in your strategic planning. Always have a plan B.

HAVE AN EMERGENCY FUND

“Save for a rainy day” has become more than a cliché; in today’s economic climate it’s as crucial as a commandment! Experts differ in the exact amount an “emergency fund” constitutes—some say the equivalent of three months salary, others advise six months. Apply it to your individual lifestyle and circumstances, then act accordingly. Today.

EMPOWER YOUR STAFF

Hire competent people and give them the training and resources to act independently in resolving small customer issues. Assigning them responsibility and accountability helps them to develop personally and professionally, and improves the efficiency of your organization. Understaffed? Hire an intern.

ESTABLISH SUPPORTIVE ALLIANCES

Don’t perceive all your peers as a competitive threat. Seek out owners with whom you have a compatible work ethic and similar visions and values, and find ways to enhance each other. This can be accomplished through online groups or networking associations dedicated to your particular field or trade.

HONOR YOUR WORD

Many small business owners go to great lengths to overcome perception issues and convey a professional image. They invest in elaborate web sites, purchase fancy business cards, and go the whole nine yards to recruit clients and impress associates. But all these measures can be in vain if they establish a reputation of repeatedly not honoring their word– whether it’s to a client, a vendor, a business partner, or employee. Never over promise and under deliver. Don’t say one thing and do another. Always strive to keep your end of the bargain because ultimately your livelihood affects others.

Follow these five tips and you’ll successfully navigate the many “obstacle courses” that come with owning a small business, and you’ll breathe easier too.

About the Author: Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer who teaches at Coffeehouseforwriters.com and blogs at Bloggingpro.com

Want to be our next guest author? Click here for details…

Photo Credit: eflon

If you’ve been looking for a smart phone, perfect for an on-the-go entrepreneur you’re gonna’ love what we have for you this time.

How would you like a brand new, HP iPaq Glisten valued at $390 for FREE just for being a loyal reader of this blog?

Sound like a good deal?  Well it did to us too. Not familiar with the Glisten?  Read on…

HP iPAQ Glisten

The HP iPAQ Glisten is a stylish, 3G smartphone designed for on-the-go professionals who need to stay connected to the people and information they care about.
 

This quad-band world phone, featuring Windows Mobile 6.5, easily moves between work and play with advanced mobile email capabilities, multiple connectivity options, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS functionality and rich multimedia features and applications.

AT&T’s 3G network is available in more than 350 major metropolitan areas. AT&T also offers 3G data roaming in more than 100 countries, as well as voice calling in more than 215 countries.
 

The iPAQ Glisten features a full QWERTY keyboard for fast, easy and accurate messaging, including SMS/ MMS, instant messaging and e-mail.
 

A touch-enabled AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) screen delivers a crisp, clear display that easily allows you to navigate through menus, windows, and links at the touch of a finger.
 

Through HP’s partnership with AT&T and Microsoft, the iPAQ Glisten customers will have access to a wide variety of applications, music, ringtones, games, etc through the AT&T AppCenter and Windows Marketplace.
 

For more information visit: HP iPAQ Glisten

How to Enter

There are two easy steps you need follow in order to enter:

1. Leave a comment below so that we know you found out about the giveaway through this article. Tell us how this phone will help improve your busy life, and/or make your more efficient. Make sure you use the email address you want us to contact you at if you win.

Please leave your Twitter Screen name in your comment

2. Follow @HP_PC on Twitter, and send the following tweet to your followers:

I just entered to win a new HP iPaq Glisten from @HP_PC and @Smallbizbee, here’s how you can enter to win too http://tiny.cc/Q3wTf

Extra Credit

Doing the above gets you 1 (one) entry into the contest. For an additional 3 (three) entries simply write 1 (One) blog post about this contest, what you like most about the Glisten,  and link back to smallbizbee.com. Send me an email when you publish your post so that I can make sure you get credit for all of your entries into the contest. You have to do #1 and #2 above before you can get extra credit.

Contest Details

• Contest ends Sunday Feb 21, 2010 at 11:59pm PST.
• Winner will be drawn at random using Random.org
• We will announce the winner on this site Mon Feb 22
• You must be following @HP_PC when we pick a winner on Monday in order to qualify.
• We will contact the winner via email to arrange shipment of your brand new HP iPaq Glisten – absolutely free – within 48 hours of announcing the winner.

Good Luck

Good luck to everyone who enters. If you have any questions please contact us!

I guess I always new the day would come when I’d have to put some additional parameters around commenting on this blog.

As our blog has grown, and rankings increased, I am seeing more and more questionable comments being submitted as the incentive to drop a comment here for a link has increased.

Why The Change to a Policy?

I love the comments we get on this blog, the conversations they start, and the interaction I can get with our readers through the comments. Interacting in the comments section with our readers is one of the most satisfying things I do around here.

I want to maintain that aspect of Smallbizbee, and ensure the comments section is still a great place to hang out while your looking over our articles and content.

By putting some parameters around what kinds of comments will be accepted I feel we will continue to foster the type of environment where people feel comfortable leaving their thoughts or comments on a post.

Commenting Policy

1. Only comments relevant to the post being discussed will be accepted. “Nice post”, “Great job”, “This site rocks” type of comments will be deleted.

2. Use your name when adding a comment to the site. No more comments from “widgets are us”, or “Russian nesting dolls online” will be accepted. Making a comment for the sole purpose of getting some link juice back to your “pink flamingo shop” is just spammy.

3. Relevant links in your comments are encouraged.

4. Irrelevant links in your comments will cause your comment to be deleted.

5. I will never delete a legitimate comment just because I don’t agree with the point of view of the commenter. I will delete comments that push the envelope of common human decency (luckily we’ve had none of that so far).

I don’t want to seem like I’m coming down on commenters, quite the opposite. I hope the new comment policy will make Smallbizbee a great place to drop your comments and converse on topics related to small business and entrepreneurship.

We currently have over 2900 comments on this blog, and very few would have been filtered out due to the new policy - I’m  just making sure it stays that way.

Your Turn

Thank you for being part of this community, if you have something to say about the new policy drop a line in the comments section below.

Below is the sixth article in our $150 competition sponsored by BizSugar.com. It’s submitted by Wayne who blogs on small business and entreprenurship at WayneLiew.com. Good luck to everyone who contributed an article!

Michael Jackson passed away on June 25th, 2009. Whether you are a Michael Jackson fan or not, you cannot doubt his ability to get the attention and impress his millions of fans worldwide.

Michael Jackson’s ability to wow his audience is definitely something that you would want your business to have. In this article, I am going to give you 5 Tips to Grow Your Business Like Michael Jackson.

Be All About Your Audience

No one cares about you. If Michael goes up on stage and start singing songs that are only meaningful to himself, no one will pay attention. For example, “Heal the World” was written by Michael to be lyrically deep but melodically simple so that fans all around the world, especially those in non-English speaking countries could chant along when the song is played.

Spend time listening to the desires and wants of your prospects and customers before selling them your products or services. Not only that the selling process will be easier, your prospects will not be turned off by any hard selling tactics too.

Find Your Signature Move

What are the signature moves of Michael Jackson? Ask this question to anyone on the street and they will definitely give you answers like the Moon Walk, 45 Degrees Lean or they might even perform his dance moves, especially the spinning move for you. These are the moves that make Michael stand out from the rest of the singers. Not only that his fans were astounded by these moves when Michael first performed it, they LOVE it!

How can your business stand out from the crowd? It can be something as simple as changing the way you engage new customers or launching a marketing campaign that is so interesting and catchy that your target market just cannot get the message out of their head.

Become the Best for What You Do

As compared to modern celebrities, Michael do not have a lot of appearances on commercials, movies or his own fashion line. He knows that he is a good singer, dancer, performer and he keeps improving on these aspects until he gained the sparkling title, “The King of Pop”.

Often times, businesses deviate from what they are really good at and as a result, every single thing that they offer becomes mediocre in quality. For example, if you are running a pizza place that is rated 5 stars on Yelp, don’t start serving Chinese food just because there’s a new Chinese restaurant being set up right beside you.

Learn How to Grab Attention

Every time Michael Jackson makes an entrance, all the fans in the room or at a venue will immediately pause whatever that they are doing, turn to him and go wild. Yes, part of it is because he is the King of Pop. But there are other things that help him to get the much needed attention. For example, his fancy clothing.

In business, grabbing someone else’s attention is an important skill. Whether you are crafting a pitch to the press or writing a business plan to secure funding from investors, you need to make them focus on what you have to offer.

Go All Out Against All Odds

Michael Jackson’s success didn’t come to him easily. Michael had troubled relationships with his father, endured childhood abuse, fought a couple of sexual abuse allegations and more. However, none of these are able to stop him, or even slow him down. In fact, they made him a stronger person.

Running and maintaining a small business isn’t easy. Stay persistent, hardworking and continue to learn and acquire new skills. Stay calm when faced with challenges and slowly untangle the complexities. Success is only for those who works and strives for it.

Inspired by Michael Jackson’s Story on Wikipedia

Image Credits: Michael Jackson – WikiPic

Below is the second article in our $150 competition sponsored by BizSugar.com, submitted by Fernando who does  content marketing in Latin America. Good luck to everyone who contributed an article!

As a fellow small business owner, you, like me, are totally on board with the concept that great content via blogging and social media is the new “killer app” of the Internet marketing world. You may have already started a blog, and you may already have 20-50 RSS subscribers. You’re slowly making your way up to your 1,000th Twitter follower, and you’ve gotten decent re-tweets whenever you share your latest post on your blog.

Great job, that’s better than most.

But where are all the customers?

Well you may have missed the part that this kind of marketing is a long-term proposition.

What to do if you want to eat this month?

Vaynerchuck clearly says that his strategy is to build a personal brand, and Chris Brogan says you’ve got to build your online presence so you can become a “Trust Agent.”

But you’ve got the pay the mortgage this month, make sure your fridge isn’t empty, and keep the lights on.

Well here are 3 quick-hitting tactics I’m putting into practice because I just quit my job and I need to bring in some customers really really soon, or else, as the clichéd country song goes, “I’ll lose the house, my wife and the dog.”

These tactics were inspired by my friend, mentor and coach Jim Logan.

1. Write an eBook like Brian Clark’s Authority Rules

I’m taking a slightly different approach here. Sure I’m writing an eBook that I’ll make available without a gate on my website for people to download.

In my case I’m a.) adding a very direct call-to-action at the end of the report to “call me to schedule your free 30-minute 5-point marketing readiness assessment” on the phone, and

b.) I’m going to be sending direct mail pieces offering my eBook to specific decision-makers at targeted companies who fit the profile of my ideal suspect, and I’ll be emailing a warm list of folks I know who are not yet subscribers to my RSS feed. My strategy here is to combine direct marketing with content marketing. The trick is not to sell directly, but to sell the “free content.”

My initial direct mail target will be about 30-50.

The philosophy behind this phase is you’re offering something of value in return for nothing. Even though there’s a strong call-to-action at the end of the eBook to call me (and I may very well get a few calls), here I’m just offering free content.

2. Follow-up with another direct mail piece

Two weeks later I’m going to follow-up with another direct mail piece to the original 30-50, as well as follow-up emails to my warm list. The message in this follow-up piece will be a business message.

I do not want to come across as a sales guy, but as a business person. I’m a business owner reaching out to another business owner, and I add value because of what I know.

I’m following-up on my eBook offer. I’ve helped businesses like yours with x & y (insert your key benefit here, do NOT mention a product or service). It may or may not be relevant to your situation, but I would love to chat with you for 30 minutes about your situation and how I’ve been able to help similar people.

The philosophy behind this stage is to sell the meeting, not sell your product or service. You should map out what the stages are in your sales cycle, and only sell the next step. In my case, and if you’re selling a B2B product or service, sell the meeting. And sell it as a business person, not a sales person.

3. Follow-up with a cold “warm call.”

Finally, I’m calling these folks. I’m calling, again, as a CEO of my small business.

Business people don’t take calls from sales people anymore, unless they called the sales person before and are expecting a call back. However,  business people do take calls from fellow business people.

How do you think CEOs of major companies form strategic alliances with other major companies? They cold-call them!

You’re the CEO, you call the CEO of your target company. And you don’t sell your product or service, you have a business call about what you’re extremely knowledgeable about and what your prospect’s business situation is.

Business people want to learn from other business people.

I guarantee if you follow this method, in less than a month you’ll have some meetings and some closed business. It’s worked for Jim Logan and his clients, and I’m putting it into practice for myself.

Below is the first article in our $150 competition sponsored by BizSugar.com,  submitted by Dwayne of  www.thecharlotteagency.com Good luck to everyone who contributed an article!

Like going out on your first date with your crush, starting a small business can be pretty unnerving. As an entrepreneur, you are putting yourself out there. Will the business community accept the courtship? Will it call you back? Well before you take the business world out to dinner and a movie, one must be able to confidently answer the questions below.

What Do I Wear? (Image and Branding)

Once you step out of the car and onto their doorstep- they will be watching your every move. Likewise, once you start announcing that you are creating a small business, your entire presence will be scrutinized. How will you present yourself? Are you going to be the conservative, suit-and-tie type, or the modern khaki and polo dude? Or both? Neither option is a bad one, but based on your research of the industry, you got to make an informed decision. Does your website and business cards match? If you are going on a date, your outfit is not going to be mismatching, so neither should your business presence.

When Do I Arrive? (Timing)

Now is the best time. The U.S. business community just got out of a bad relationship with the finance and housing industry, and it is looking for a new, fresh suitor. It needs someone that will treat them right. Its boundaries are down and as a few of us know, those who are on the rebound to easier to attract.

What Should I Say? (Marketing)

You arrive on time and looking good. Really good. But now you have to open your mouth- are you ready? Grab the spotlight. You don’t have any friends to put a good word in for you, so you got to do it yourself. Don’t be bashful. Tell the U.S. business community why you and her are perfect for each other. Highlight your strengths. Remember, the worst thing that can happen is that she says no. Show her a portfolio of things you have done, and things that you want to do. What’s your philosophy? How are you going to treat the business community better than her past? And sometimes its good to be funny, the U.S. business community likes humor.

Will She Like My Friends? (Networking)

Third party recommendations are crucial when it comes to dating this particular person. Not only will they check you out, but all the people that they think know you. Therefore, that’s why you got to get out there before she does it and build a good reputation. It is good when she knows you’re a good person, but if other people tell her you’re a great guy, that’s when the comfort level starts to build.

How Far Do I Go? (Risk-taking)

Your first date with the business community is almost to a close. You both had a great time and you walk her to the door. Moment of truth- what do you do? You’re an entrepreneur; risk-taking is right up your alley! High risk reaps high reward. And if it doesn’t, well hey, at least you tried. Go in with no hesitation for the kiss.

And who knows? Maybe she’ll invite you in.

Looking for the secret to success?  Aren’t we all?  Well, Richard St John boils down the secret to success in 8 words and three minutes in this video.

 Who is Richard St John?

A self-described average guy who found success doing what he loved, Richard St. John spent more than a decade researching the lessons of success.

So What Are The 8 Secrets?

John has 8 words that he thinks are the main attributes to success. The “magic” words are:

1. Passion
2. Work
3. Focus
4. Persist
5. Ideas
6. Good
7. Push
8. Serve

He goes into detail on each, and describes why they are important, how they relate and play off one another. Well worth 3 minutes of your time, in my humble opinion.

Running Time: 3:33

Source:

http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_st_john_s_8_secrets_of_success.html

Have your own secrets for successs? I’d love to hear them in the comments section below

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future posts delivered to you

Photo Credit: jcbmac

It seems like a lifetime ago that I started my first business, maybe that’s because it is.  I learned a lot of lessons from that first venture, most about what not to do.

My First Business

The year was 1984 and I was 7 years old. I was the sole proprietor of a newspaper distribution company, call it old media, but newspapers were my game.

This was back in old days, before the internet, when people would get their news by reading words written on actual pages – don’t laugh, but many people would actually pay to get their news this way, including my parents.

At 7 I knew enough to know that I wanted some money, I was sure if I could get my hands on some cash I’d be out on my own in a couple years living the good life.

I also knew that these things called “papers” would stack up for a couple weeks before my parents finally took them to the trash.

An Idea is Born

I thought if my parents were reading these papers, and paying for them, the neighbors probably were reading them too, but maybe not all the neighbors.

I asked my mom how much a paper cost, then asked her if I could have the old ones, she said ”you can have the old ones, but don’t go leavin’em laying around the house!”

My business is born!  I would go door to door with the old papers my parents had and see if I could sell them for less than a new paper to any of the neighbors.

I thought maybe they didn’t get the paper so would happily pay for mine, or possibly they missed an issue and would want to catch up. If they didn’t have this thing called a “subscription”, heck maybe I could sell them a paper everyday.

My distribution mechanism was simple. I loaded up the papers in a duffel bag and headed out, knocking on every door within the neighborhood within my limits.

At that time I had boundaries set by my parents that I wasn’t supposed to cross. I was the paper czar of nearly 5 square blocks – I was in business!

5 Lessons Learned from My First Business

So that is how I spent everyday after school the two weeks I was in business. Knocking on doors trying to sell yesterday’s paper (or sometimes yester-weeks paper).

As I think about it now, it seems silly. As adults, we all can spot the flaws in my thinking, and even though I wouldn’t try something similar today – I made money!

Being able to make money selling old news taught me a lot about business, here’s five things I learned:

Lesson #1: When You’re in Business People Buy You as Much as Your Product

I was a moderately cute kid, with tons of ambition, and nothing but confidence in my paper business. When I talked to people at their door step they felt that. When they bought a paper from me, they were buying me, not the news that happened 6 days ago.

This lesson is as applicable today as it was then. Although we may not all be fresh faced kids anymore, people will sense when you are passionate, confident, and believe in what you are doing – and that’s what they’ll be buying a good portion of the time.

Lesson #2: Great Entrepreneurs Think on Their Feet

I learned quickly that in order to sell these papers, that weren’t as desirable as I thought they’d be, I better have answers to their questions – which mean’t thinking on my feet.

I remember on that first day being asked, “Why would I want to buy yesterdays paper, that stuff’s already happened”…I replied with “Well, today’s paper is filled with stuff that already happened too, but mine’s cheaper.” He bought a paper. My mom said I was being a smart aleck, I politely disagreed.

If you want to be a great entrepreneur you need the ability to think quickly on your feet. Responding to demands, making quick (good) decisions, and dealing with the numerous curveballs are essential to success.

Lesson #3: Competing on Price Alone is a Tough Game

My only selling point, and the only way I could sell even one of the old papers was to give discounts. At the time I thought this was shrewd, now I think it’s dangerous.

I had no competition in my neighborhood, and probably never would have selling old news, but what if another 7 year old (or a super bright 6 year old) had of come up with the same idea?  We’re both knocking on doors, how do we compete with each other?  Most likely price, which means it wouldn’t be too long until the pennies I was making didn’t justify the trouble, and I’d have a hard time making it up on volume.

Same goes later in life. You may be the only game in town now, but what happens when you’re not. Will you be competing on price alone, or do you bring something to the table your competitors don’t?

Lesson #4: Think About Scale Early in the Startup

I gave this absolutely no thought. I just wanted to sell some papers, and beat myself ragged going door to door I guess. If this venture had been a huge success I would have had no way to meet the demand – shoot, my parents only let me go about 5 square blocks, I would have been sunk right there.

The lesson here is that early on begin to think about how you may scale up if you’re business becomes successful. How will you reach more people?  Who will do the additional work? Can you scale? If you charge per hour, there are only so many in a day – how do you get more revenue without raising your price? If you sell a physical item, how many can you get and how can you distribute to more people? Just ask yourself these questions early, and prepare for growth going in.

Lesson#5: It’s Hard to Overcome a Flawed Business Model

We can all see the problems with my business model. Yeah, I sold some papers, but long term the flaws were going to bring my business down. If you’re not going into a venture on solid business foundations, you’re house is going to start leaning, and eventually fall over.

The Long Defunct Newspaper Distribution Company

I’ve been out of the newspaper distribution business now 25 years, but some of the lessons I learned back then are still with me today.

The real lesson in all of this is it doesn’t matter if you sell newspapers when you’re 7, lemonade when you are 10, or run a multimillion dollar company when you’re 40, the fundamentals of business don’t change.

Keep moving forward while learning from the past and you should be okay. And for anybody thinking about it, I can’t suggest you getting into the newspaper distribution business!

Photo Credit: Meanest Indian

Can’t visit Small Biz Bee on a regular basis? You can stay up to date by having the latest Small Biz Bee news delivered to you for free via RSS or Email.

For exclusive Small Biz Bee content and offers, sign up for our free newsletter:

Frank Carnevale, of Keep Moving Fourward, has an exciting announcement in this guest post for High School students intereseted in entrepreneurship. Take it away Frank…

Attention High School Students Nationwide…

The Keep Moving Fourward Entrepreneurship Competition is officially under way!

Have you ever thought about what you’re going to do with your life after high school or after yougraduate college?

Have you ever thought about working for yourself, while doing something that you love? Even if you haven’t, now is the perfect time for you to find out if being an entrepreneur is right for you!

The Competition has Two Main Goals?

1) To show high school students that they do not necessarily have to work for someone else for the rest of their lives… They do have another option: They can be an entrepreneur. In other words, they can be in business for themselves, doing something that they truly like (or hopefully, LOVE) doing.

2)To give the competition winner the tools necessary to successfully get their business idea off of the ground.

Where Should I Start?

“So what kind of business should I start though?” a student might ask. Well, what are some things that make you want to keep moving fourward? What are you passionate about? What subject or topic can keep you interested for hours on end? What kinds of things make you the happiest? Thinking this way plus constantly asking yourself good questions, will usually lead to an idea you can run with.

Other Questions to Get You In the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Here are some more questions one might ask themselves to get their entrepreneurial juices flowing:The point of all these questions is that one question will lead to another question, and another question,and another question. At the end of your series of questions lies some type of solution.

What is it about X that you love so much? Is there anything you could think of that would make you love X even more? If so, do you think it would do the same for other lovers of X?

What is the one thing that annoys you most about X? Why does it annoy you? Do you think it annoys others as well? What two things could you immediately do to make X less annoying? And so on…

Now for a dose of reality: Just because you’re passionate about something, and have a good idea related to it to pursue, does not necessarily mean that it would make a worthwhile business.

You need to also ask yourself whether the idea has the potential to generate revenue. Can this improvement on X put some money in your pocket? Can you make money consistently from a business in X? How much money will it take to get X going?

Ready To Get Started?

Get the picture? Good, enough of these questions.

For more information on the competition, and to sign up, go to http://keepmovingfourward.com/.
If you have questions or comments please email me at: frank (at) gofourward.com

Can’t visit Small Biz Bee on a regular basis? You can stay up to date by having the latest Small Biz Bee news delivered to you for free via RSS or Email.

For exclusive Small Biz Bee content and offers, sign up for our free newsletter: