West Central MN SBDC

Stand out with your customer base by offering value-added products/services and personalized customer care. #smallbusiness #MNSBDC

Explore ways to bring your business to your customer during construction with delivery services or pick-up services at another location.

Expand your product/service offering or explore new business models to diversify your revenue streams. This will add to the strength of your business during times of economic uncertainty. #smallbusiness #MNSBDC

Read our July Newsletter to learn about customer wants/needs in a changing economy and to see this month's Consultant Spotlight! Also learn about upcoming webinars and events. conta.cc/3O3kxmy

Your business is probably not the only business in your area impacted by construction. Partner with other businesses to offer incentives to loyal customers who frequent all of the neighborhood businesses with punch cards, giveaways and a celebration once construction is complete.

Wishing you all a safe and happy Independence Day!

Helping your customers navigate around construction to get to your business will make them more likely to come to your business. Offer instructions and a map on your website, social media pages and in your newsletters.

Using technology to automate tasks like reservations and scheduling can help reduce time spent on trivial tasks so you have time for the important work of your business. #smallbusiness #MNSBDC

Turn construction into an event for your business by offering weekly specials to dedicated customers who frequent your business.

Get paid more quickly by sending out invoices as soon as your work is done. This will help you to avoid unnecessary stress at the end of the month. #smallbusiness #MNSBDC

Let today serve as a reminder that the best time to amend the errors of the past is right now. Wishing a happy Juneteenth to all who celebrate.

Have you received notification that construction will be happening near you? Plan ahead! Have a pre-construction sale to reduce your inventory and augment your cash flow.

To reduce expenses during economically challenging times, find credit cards with lower rates. If you typically pay off your business card each month, use a cash-back credit card. #smallbusiness #MNSBDC

The adage goes that Minnesota has two seasons. Winter and Construction Season. You can prevent construction from getting in between you and your customers with our weekly tips. Today's tip: Communicate to your customers when construction is happening and how you'll serve them.

During uncertain times, you can cut back on travel or renegotiate contracts with vendors to reduce costs without impacting your operations. Talk with your SBDC Consultant to explore more ideas on risk management. #SmallBusiness #MNSBDC

Read our June Newsletter to learn about upcoming webinars and how to protect your small business from cyber attacks. conta.cc/3qerrMl conta.cc/3WIhcvU

#EmployeeRetention Tip: When employees eventually leave, offboarding ensures that their institutional knowledge of your business operations get passed onto another employee. Include an exit interview to learn how you can improve the employee experience for other employees.

#EmployeeRetention Tip: Employees often leave their job because of a bad manager. A good manager coaches employees rather than micromanaging them.

#EmployeeRetention Tip: Recognize the value you of your employees by investing in their professional skills training.

Read our May Newsletter to learn about opportunities for social entrepreneurs and other great events coming up! conta.cc/44GIA0R