We've all heard the old saying "it takes money to make money" especially from those small business owners who are struggling to make ends meet. These are the same people who are looking for investors to help salvage their struggling business. However they are falling into the myth of "it takes money to ma… Continue

By: Ben Martinez

I just finished attending our newly formed merchant association district meeting...This newly founded association is made up of 18 business owners who decided a while back that it was time to begin to work together as one to generate more business for each other. Today's topic of conversation was hiring an outside marketing firm to create a merchant logo and a unique selling proposition of why people should visit our retail stores. Keep in mind most of the businesses within the… Continue

My wife and I recently spent some time at our local mall dealing with returning some clothes and picking up a few necessities. We went straight from work and by the time we finished our errands, we realized it was eight-thirty and we were starving and needed a place to eat. I’m sure most of you can relate to our situation, unfortunately at this hour and being near the mall, our dining choices were limited. Being an Independent Restaurateur, I like to dine in family owned restaurants when I have… Continue

MIND YOUR MANNERS!

This week's marketing educational piece takes a good look at our manners. Have you noticed that more and more restaurants are greeting their guests before they walk through the door? Hostesses are awaiting at the door and open it for the customer with a hardy, "Welcome to our restaurant". If you think about it, when you have company over to your house, do you let them just walk in and sit down? It is time to greet each guest as if they were walking into your own home. A great… Continue

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, for some it’s a day of celebration, others a day of sorrow. We all know someone who lost a loved one during a time of conflict in American History. During World War ll we lost over four hundred thousand American Lives, in the Gulf War, we had two hundred and sixty-nine casualties. Young Americans live a wonderful life, typically free from conflict. It’s our responsibility to educate all Americans, we need to make sure all Americans realize the sacrifices tha… Continue