myRetailer.ca

I was recently looking for some inspiration and new topics and noticed that Bizlaunch.ca is running a series of (FREE) webinars taloired to small business owners.  They cover numerous topics and are running throughout the year.

Some topics that caught my attention:

• Simple Systems to Manage Your Time and Build a Great Business
• Sources of Finance for Business Growth – Grants, Loans and Free Money
• Low Cost No Cost Marketing Ideas You Can Use to Grow Your Business
• 7 Secrets to Building a Successful Business – A Growth Strategy
• Tax Saving Tips for Small Business
• 10 Easy Ways to Get Free Publicity for Your Small Business
• Develop a Business Plan to Boost Your Sales and Profits

The list is extensive and there’s something for everyone. I encourage you to check it out.

http://www.bizlaunch.ca/location/Web/seminars.php?&m=All

Tapping into the creativity of your staff can prove to be very profitable.

We’ve all heard the saying that some of the best ideas come from where you’d least expect it. How many of us allow our staff to run a little wild with some of their ideas, regardless of how crazy they may seem?

Recently one of my sales people, Linda, asked if she could book a wedding in our store among the flowers. She had a young couple that were interested in holding a small wedding right in the store. This was a very unusual request and my first thought was that it would interrupt normal sales too much. In short, I wasn’t crazy about the idea.

We came around (myself and our managing partner) when she agreed that it would be held in the back end of the store, it wouldn’t cost much in time or materials and the couple was willing to pay for the space.

(more…)