1. Welcome to VegasMessageBoard
    It appears you are visiting our community as a guest.
    In order to view full-size images, participate in discussions, vote in polls, etc, you will need to Log in or Register.

Any advice for a new business owner?

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Chat' started by kathiemc23, Mar 24, 2016.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. kathiemc23

    kathiemc23 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Messages:
    430
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    Just spent 10 nights in Vegas (see trip reports) and used my last day of scheduled vacation to purchase an already established on-line fruit basket business. I had already set up my LLC and business bank account, just needed to write the check. I quickly created a facebook page to get some social media buzz and increase the orders. The next things I need to do are get the websites updated some and increase search engine optimization. I'm still keeping my full time corporate job while I grow this business, but just thought I would check and see if anyone here has any advice for me.
     
  2. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

    Joined:
    May 4, 2009
    Messages:
    23,220
    Location:
    TN
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    Too many businesses do not keep their web and facebook current.
    And, they do not answer email. Check all your email contact forms, etc to make sure they work.

    Take care of your customers.
     
  3. kathiemc23

    kathiemc23 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Messages:
    430
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    Thank you! I created the Facebook page and plan to keep a close eye on it, I also have two millennial daughters who are helping with all of the social media. Good free help! The previous owner was just running the business as a hobby so didn't do much marketing, but he was very big on taking care of customers. I definitely plan to continue with that high touch service.
     
  4. NickPapageorgio

    NickPapageorgio OG of the Sal Sagev Hotel

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2007
    Messages:
    2,507
    Location:
    Yuma, AZ
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    99
    Save for a rainy day. I.E. Sack away a few bucks rather than overextending to grow operations. A small profitable business is to be considered a great success.

    Nick:beer:
     
  5. Nauriel

    Nauriel Tourist

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2016
    Messages:
    61
    Location:
    New York
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    7
    Don't' go crazy on advertising expenses.

    Advertising and "buzz" on social media is easily generated by buying some inexpensive services on Fiverr.

    Always respond to customer emails ASAP.
     
  6. kathiemc23

    kathiemc23 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Messages:
    430
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    Very good advice! Hence the reason I'm not giving up the day job ...... yet.
     
  7. kathiemc23

    kathiemc23 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Messages:
    430
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    I didn't know about Fiverr, that looks great! I also have an MBA from Arizona so I just called them and signed up for their networking event next week. Doing what I can on the cheap :)
     
  8. Hogman

    Hogman VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2008
    Messages:
    2,862
    Location:
    Arkansas
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    70
    In my experiences as a business owner, I have found that the business owns you.:cry:
     
  9. hammie

    hammie VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2006
    Messages:
    8,343
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    8
    Just remember it's easier to keep a customer than to find a new one. Delight your customers and they will return.

    The bitter taste of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
     
  10. kathiemc23

    kathiemc23 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Messages:
    430
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    Thank you!

    - - - Updated - - -

    That I completely believe. Hope I can still make it to Vegas 4 times a year.
     
  11. kathiemc23

    kathiemc23 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Messages:
    430
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    Definitely agree.
     
  12. spdandpwr

    spdandpwr VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2016
    Messages:
    3,844
    Location:
    East Coast
    This might be further down the road, but an eCRM program where you're sending emails during key occasions to remind past purchasers is not a bad idea. They're plenty of email campaign creation tools that let you monitor the success of your emails as well.

    I'd also take a look at similar businesses and see how they're marketing themselves. FTD and 1800-Flowers are great examples. They do lots of interesting things....but the biggest thing is how they scaled: is it possible to build local vendors who can create and distribute your baskets locally? Allowing you to do same-day delivery and such?

    Finally, people these days are all about personalization. Do you offer gift personalization? Can you engrave or etch and name; author a custom card; include their favorite bottle of wine? These are all random ideas but you get the jist.

    Good luck!
     
  13. Julie888

    Julie888 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2008
    Messages:
    1,166
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    50
    If only the suits running Vegas casinos were this wise.

    Good luck with your new business, Kathie
     
  14. Tony Y

    Tony Y Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2015
    Messages:
    323
    Location:
    NYC
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    7
    Good quality items excellent customer service and fair prices will keep the people coming through the doors................ Best of luck
     
  15. Jerseyguy

    Jerseyguy MIA

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2011
    Messages:
    2,766
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    10
    I like to deal with honest people who dont try to sell me stuff I dont need.
     
  16. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2011
    Messages:
    8,197
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    21
    I agree. I love these type of people. I gravitate towards these type of people. I emulate these type of people.
     
  17. kathiemc23

    kathiemc23 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Messages:
    430
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    I plan to add more suppliers eventually, but right now don't see how to implement your great ideas. Will definitely keep them in mind for the future.
     
  18. kathiemc23

    kathiemc23 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Messages:
    430
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30

    Thank you!

    - - - Updated - - -

    Thank you!
     
  19. joshk

    joshk Tourist

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2014
    Messages:
    52
    Location:
    Texas
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    10
    I would recommend CrowdFire as an inexpensive ($5/mo or so) way to automate and manage social media accounts.
     
  20. catman

    catman Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2009
    Messages:
    184
    Location:
    Kentucky
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    19
    Quit your regular job and work full time(50+ hours/week) on your new buisness. Otherwise you are doomed to fail.
     
Tags:
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.