Articles and discussion focusing on business strategy & philosophy as applied to small, virtual, online & location-independent businesses.

What a Difference a Day Makes

Buy Spanish Pimientos de Padron Fresh from Galicia Weekly

Whether a customer comes away from a transaction satisfied or disappointed is almost entirely determined by their expectations.

New Coke. Blink and You Probably Missed It.

New Coke

Consumers can’t tell you what they want. Be creative, bring your personality to your offering. If it doesn’t work, ‘do a Coca Cola’.

Self-Storage Units as an Alternative to Traditional Warehousing

Big Yellow Self Storage

Storage might seem like a burden to small businesses, which is why they are turning to self-storage for the flexibility they need.

Clarity is in the Eye of the Beholder

Hint of Danger

I’m not sure I’ll ever truly be able to get through to customers with the clarity I’d like. A phone call I often get goes something like this: –  Hi there, I own a mediterranean delicatessen in Glasgow and I’ve just found your website after doing a search for ‘buy chorizo online’.  I was wondering, [...]

Could Your Business Processes Cope With a 500% Increase in Volume?

Navidad 2011 Plaza Mayor Madrid

You never know how your business systems will survive until you test them at their very limits. Here’s what we learned from the Christmas rush.

Use Constant Real-Time Feedback for Business Motivation

chorizo sandwich

Separation of cause and effect makes it hard to associate positive actions and successful outcomes. Use real-time feedback for true motivation.

The Polymath Entrepreneur

Owning a business requires a multitude of skills and expertise. Being a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ is a great character for a small business person.

Find Your Own Formula for Business Success

The Formula for Business Success

Take what others say with a healthy dose of skepticism. Accept the uniqueness of your business. Experiment and find your own formula.

Are Ebay and Amazon a Waste of Time for Sellers? Sellers’ Opinions

After asking recently whether sellers thought Ebay or Amazon were worthwhile or profitable, I decided to compile a summary of the responses I received.

Is Selling on Amazon or Ebay Worth It?

Amazon/Ebay not profitable due to exorbitant fees? Never mind, surely those buyers turn into loyal direct customers. Or do they?