Saturday, October 1, 2011

Anwar's Reflections Small Business Interview Series Results

TRENTON-- After collecting data from local small business owners in the Trenton Mercer County area, I have noticed some patterns and commonalities among those that participated in Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview series.

For one thing, a significant amount of the area's businesspeople said that 'word of mouth' is one of their primary ways of promoting and advertising their small business. What this tells me is that that if you satisfy or please your customers with a quality product or service they are likely to tell their friends and family about their  experience with your business thereby giving you free advertising. So the takeaway message is: do what you do well and others will spread the word on your behalf.

For another thing, many of the participating  entrepreneurs said that planning is a critical part of starting and running a small business. What this tells me is that to be successful one needs to not simply have an idea of what they want to do, but they must also create a plan that indicates the how, when, and where of their business venture. For example, how many competitors are in the market I'm trying to enter? When should I decide to promote or advertise my business on radio, television, or the internet? Where should I locate my business? Location is key. All of these questions require research and planning and are essential for business success.

Interview series results also suggest that internet marketing is growing. Small businesses are utilizing social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These entrepreneurs see the potential of the Internet and how many customers they can reach with the Internet's help. In this Information Age we're living in, all it takes is a click of a mouse to reach millions of individuals at a relatively low cost. In an economic downturn, small business owners are seeing the value of a strong Internet presence.

As the saying goes, small businesses are the heart and soul of the economy. Let's celebrate and learn from our communities entrepreneurs. As new small business ventures emerge in the Trenton, Mercer County area, Anwar's Reflections will be sure to keep you posted.

THANK YOU ALL for your support. Stay tuned.

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