Many entrepreneurs start a business thinking they know exactly what industry they’re entering. They create a product, identify a market, and begin selling. But what happens if their initial understanding of their business is wrong? This common mistake can lead to wasted time, energy, and resources. Correcting it, however, can pave the way for focused …
Embrace Competition
In the world of business, competition is often seen as the enemy—a looming threat ready to steal your customers and ideas. But what if, instead, you viewed competition as a sign that you’re on the right path? The presence of competitors isn’t something to fear; in fact, it should be embraced. Competition means there’s a …
Listen To And Learn From Your Customers
Running a successful business is not just about offering a great product or service; it’s about listening to your customers and learning from their experiences. Whether they are providing praise or criticism, each interaction holds valuable insights that can help you improve, grow, and ultimately boost your sales. Sometimes, the feedback you receive might be …
Start Selling Online
Starting an online business has become more accessible than ever, and there are numerous advantages to taking your venture online compared to a traditional brick-and-mortar store. With a web-based business, you avoid the costs of renting a physical space or hiring staff to manage it. However, there are still challenges to consider, such as the …
Launch Where You Are With What You Have
Starting a business without a detailed plan is more common than you might think. While a business plan can be helpful, it’s not essential to get started. The key is to take action. You can refine your strategy as you grow, learning from your experiences along the way. Financing Your Business on a Budget Not …
Price It Right
When you’re just starting out as an entrepreneur, one of the most daunting tasks is figuring out how to price your product. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when you’re still working out of your garage or living room, with only a handful of orders trickling in. It was hard to imagine ever growing into …
Choose the Right “Brand” Name
If I said “Nightingale RDS,” would you know what that is? Probably not. That was the original name for the Blackout EZ window cover when I started in 2007. It was named after Florence Nightingale and aimed at night-shift nurses, with “RDS” standing for “room-darkening system.” But as my market expanded to include new moms, …
Tim Stanley
It all started while working night shift as a delivery driver for the local newspaper. I had trouble sleeping during the day and realized a dark room was the solution. I covered my windows with blankets, cardboard, duct tape and anything else I could find. I was young, married with a small child and little …