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Category Archives: Business

4 Secrets to Making Money with Drinks

It’s that time of year. People are getting outside and are ready to create memories at fairs, special events, tourist destinations (local or major out-of-state attractions), sporting events, and weekend getaways. Warm weather also means the perfect opportunity to cash in with concessions. An often overlooked, but easy to add, option is cold drinks. Think of them as your Fountain of Wealth. Beside the standard bottled water, sodas, or adult beverages, the top money-makers are Lemonade Shake-Ups, slushes, and fruit smoothies. Below are four secrets to increased drink sales.

  1. Add a Splash to Sodas—There are many ways to flavor your sodas, but one of the simplest solutions is to add a dash of Sno-Kone® syrups to the bottom of the cup, then add your beverage. This will mix the products without losing the carbonation. Or, if you have a fountain drink system and are comfortable with the mechanism, you can disconnect one syrup line. Then, simply use the carbonated beverage and Sno-Kone® syrup to create a variety of flavors. (Check your manufacturer’s manual before proceeding with any disconnection.)
  2. Event or Souvenir Cups—These hard-plastic cups are the answer to generate repeat/refill sales, plus your customers will love the durability. They’ll pay more on the front-end for a better-perceived product. Guests will often take them with them, which cuts down on the trash at the event. It’s a win for everyone.
  3. Slushes and Fruit Smoothies—Don’t forget the power of a tall glass of cool, refreshing goodness. Slushes are popular with children of all ages. The slush mixes can also be paired with alcohol after they are made to give you more options with one product. Fruit smoothies are another great option for children and those wanting a “fresher” drink alternative.
  4. When Life Hands You Lemons—Shake-Ups have enormous profit potential with low food costs. Unfortunately, this is another product that some may overlook because they think Shake-Ups are too hard to make. But it’s easy to turn lemons into liquid gold with just water, ice, and a neutral slush base. Plus, as you can see in the video, sales of all sizes are possible, as even the 52-oz. event cups fit beneath the Lemonator.

For More information fill out the form below on how to make money with snacks

 

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How to Prep for Your First Gig

The first time for anything can be a little scary, especially when it comes to running your own business. But have no fear, running a concession stand is possible and you are the one to make it happen.

Since you’ve already thought about getting into the business of concessions, it’s time to focus your thinking on certain items of the shop.

Start by getting some ideas for brochures, so you can eventually create your own. Look at brochures that you know sell items, and see how they list products.

Know that a successful shop makes money in three ways: 1. From over the counter sales, 2. Shipping sales, and 3. Wholesale or packaged goods. Start thinking of good locations where your shop can accomplish all three of these ideas.

Visit at least two successful concession stands, so you can start thinking about ideas for product presentation, interior décor, display, and even uniforms for your employees. Only use what you see for ideas, it is important that you create your own, unique brand.

Next, do some investigating. Make sure this is what you want to do before you invest your money in the business.

Decide what you’re going to sell at your shop. Create a good balance of sweet and salty, and remember to keep it simple, especially in the beginning. In fact, your best bet is to limit the menu items, but vary the sizes they come in. Or, perhaps you offer popcorn, but sell different flavors. You also want to sell items that are easy to prepare.

Create a business plan based on your location and the products you plan to sell. A business plan will help you determine the costs for the first year, how to promote yourself and the products, and how much you need to make to succeed.

By following these tips, you’ll be on the right track in the concessions business before you sell your first bag of popcorn!

 

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5 Ways to Increase Your Facebook Engagement

What is it that makes some Facebook fan pages wildly successful with constant high engagement rates where the fans and their friends eat up the content like there’s no tomorrow… while other pages sit there dormant with hardly any activity, yet they produce great content, too?

Making Facebook work for your business can often take a bit of trial and error… and time.

Read more to find the full text article…

 

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12 Simple Ways Marketers Can Humanize Their Brand

 

Simple Ways to Humize Your Brand

Many people say: “Yeah, using social media sounds like a good plan but I am a big corporation.  How do I do that?  Hubspot is a marketing company that helps companies grow and nuture leads and lead generating materials and they have come up with these 12 simple ways to humanize your brand.  Take a look and tell us in the comments section below if they missed any.Read More

 

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Food Carts give “New York’s Finest” Another Meaning

New York City, with its fabled culture and rich history, is often referred to as the “center of the universe.”

One traditional aspect of the “Big Apple” is its street vendors. Many food cart and concession trailer owners have made a very good living peddling their wares on the streets of New York. In some cases, food trailer ownership is generational. Fathers and mothers pass their food carts on to sons and daughters who continue to serve loyal customers year after year.

The “Steaks” are High

The competition between food stand owners is fierce. The aroma emanating from pizza warmers, hot dog grills and popcorn poppers drifts throughout the city streets as customers gravitate toward their favorite vendors when hungry.

Seemingly located on just about every street corner, food concession trailers offer a broad variety of menu items that range from ethnic tastes to those purely American. Nacho machines work overtime as wide-eyed customers walk away with plates piled high. And shredded steak, chicken or pork sizzle on a grill as a slice of pita bread waits to be filled.

The availability of Greek, Asian and Mediterranean dishes on opposite street corners make a mealtime decision even more difficult.  But New York’s famous gourmet hot dog carts also beckon. Kabobs, roasted nuts, gourmet pretzels and overstuffed omelets are all part of New York City’s vast food vending tapestry, and that just scratches the surface.

For those considering starting a food stand or concession trailer business in New York City, the costs for permits and licensing are relatively steep. But the biggest challenge might be finding a good location; one that is not already occupied by any number of the Big Apple’s world class vendors.

 

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How Super is Your Advertising?

It used to be that you had to actually watch the Super Bowl to see the ads. Advertisers spent big bucks to keep your attention and pulled out all the stops to top the other guy. From the Bud Bowl to the comeback kid Betty White with Snickers, there have been countless ads that stick with you through the years.

But now the power of going viral is causing ads to “leak” early.  VW and Chrysler drove home big kudos last year with their cute and powerful ads (respectively). Now, VW is trying to keep the flame alive with the barking dogs’ ode to Darth Vader. Plus, Doritos made its customers do the work for it and generated countless impressions with its commercial contests.

It all brings home the point of standing out in a crowd with advertising. Are you wasting money with text-heavy ads and boring graphics? You don’t have to spend a ton of money like the big guys listed above to make an impression. Just remember that pictures are worth a thousand words and ads should inspire movement. Include sales, funny and memorable text, catchy graphics, limited-time only offers, and some kind of call to action.

Your ads should be like a Field of Dreams moment. If you build it, they will come. That’s why it also pays to spend the time to routinely evaluate all your advertising and marketing materials. Track the return on investment (ROI) and ask your customers for feedback. Or, conduct an informal focus group. Your friends and family can be brutally honest with you. Ask them how super your advertising truly is and take the steps to stand out in a cluttered advertising world.

 

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Time to Change the Script!

Just another personal experience of (un)sound customer service from your truly…

As Director of Marketing it’s my job to spot marketing trends, data and opportunities for my company. As a lifelong student of marketing, It has become second nature for me to pay attention to consumer interaction, marketing and advertising “do’s” and “don’ts” and how these things impact consumers—even me. I had just returned from the dentist where I had a major tooth extracted, bone graphing, and the start of an implant. Heavy-duty work which left me in less-than-ideal working condition. I’m sitting at my desk when the phone rings.

“Mr. Gerlach, this is Tammy from (LOCAL CABLE COMPANY). How are you today?”

“I’m okay. Just returned from the dentist and I’m pretty sore from the experience,” I reply in a muffled voice caused by the cotton gauze in my cheek.

“That’s great. I’ve called today to tell you…”

My first reaction is: did you even hear what I just said to you? I feel like I was blindsided by Mike Tyson in the jaw, and instead of listening to that, you continue to follow the script in front of you. You have now shown me that I have every reason to doubt anything else you have to say. You’re not talking WITH me, you’re talking AT me. She goes on to inquire about an upcoming move I’m making, and the reason I’m cancelling her service and replacing it with another company—because the other company is cheaper.

“We can match their price if you’d like to stay?” she responds. At which point, I ask her why she didn’t match their price for me all along.

“Because you weren’t cancelling the service before now.”

So, basically, not only were you not listening to me (i.e., a customer) at the beginning of the conversation, but you just admitted that you’ve been charging me more than I needed to pay for over 2 years. Maybe tell me “It’s a special promotion”…”You’re a valued customer”…even “We’re dropping the price for everyone” (I’d never know the difference). But instead, you decide to tell me the one thing that will make sure I WON’T do business with you.

Good job, cable rep. Might be time to change the script.

 

How to Advertise your Small Business

With unemployment on the rise and many companies tightening their belts, the thought might have crossed your mind as to whether you may be the next to be downsized. Even if the axe should fall in your direction at some point, it’s not the end of the world. In fact, it might be the catalyst for finding the answer on how to start your own business.

There are still many small business opportunities out there. Regardless of the type of business you enter, if you work smart and offer products or services people need or desire, you can make a decent living while also establishing your independence.

Economic uncertainty has also caused many to venture out to earn extra income while keeping their “day job.” In addition to providing more cash flow, a small side business can be something you can fully focus on in the event that you become unemployed.

Landscaping, consulting work and online buying and selling are a few examples of businesses that have allowed some individuals to gain entrepreneurial independence. Many have found the concession trailer business to be profitable as well.

Getting the Word Out

Once you have established a business plan and begun the process of bringing it to life, it’s time to start making the public aware of the products or services offered by your business. Here are a few effective ways of getting the word out:

  • Hand out attractive business cards at every opportunity. Stack flyers and brochures around town.
  • Mail cards or flyers to targeted areas.
  • Place ads in local magazines and newspapers.
  • Have graphics or magnets displaying business information affixed to company vehicles.

There are numerous methods you can employ to grab the attention of prospective customers. Don’t be afraid to be creative and try something new.

Now it’s your turn, tell us how you have grabbed the attention of prospective customers either in marketing or social media?  Tell us about it in the comments section below.

 

>Rewards of Owning Your Own Business

>Recessions are a time when many workers consider going into business for themselves. Some of the most successful businesses — Burger King, FedEx and Microsoft to name a few— were formed by individuals looking for the type of freedom provided by self-employment. Self-employment can translate into many financial and psychological rewards:

Flexibility: Setting your own hours and work space is one advantage. There is no time card to punch or tiny cubicle to report to everyday. Vacation or sick time is at your discretion. Gone are the days of a dress shirt and tie. If the business requires no “face time” with customers, casual dress or even pajamas are acceptable. Lastly, entrepreneurs have the ability to directly
determine the value of their work or products, by setting their own fees, rates and prices.

Creativity: As your own boss, you don’t have to answer to a supervisor or colleagues’ opinions on creative matters. Some of the most creative ideas were born when people no longer felt restricted or stifled by traditional corporate environments.

Tax benefits: You get to deduct half of your self-employment taxes from your net income. Essentially, the IRS treats the self-employment tax as a business expense and allows you to deduct it accordingly. Additionally, you only incur self-employment tax on your net business income, or what’s left over after you subtract your business expenses.

The sky’s the limit: The self-employed essentially have an unlimited earning potential rather than a set salary. It’s all dependent on the work they put in. In short, the businesses’ profit goes straight in your wallet.

Job security: Self-employment limits the fear of layoffs, downsizing or firing. Instead of worrying about the status of your job, you can focus more on getting the job done.

In short, self-employment has its perks. With that being said, it’s no surprise the number of self-employed, “free agents” in the U.S. is on the rise.

 
 
 
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