Monthly Archives: July 2009

Different Types of Marketing

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Posted by admin on July 31, 2009 – 5:46 pm
Filed under Marketing Tips

With any business out there, you’re going to find that there are literally hundreds of ways to advertise your business.  From the old school media way such as newspapers, to using the new age ways such as the Internet.  It’s all up to you on how you want to advertise, and how you want to take advantage.

Search engine marketing: One of the newest technologies out there, you can advertise your services locally on search engines such as Google, and Bing.  It’s a great way to reach out to the younger crowds looking for your services.

Pay per click: Just like search engine marketing, PPC gives you instant results.  This is something you’ll want to resarch though before you get into it.  I highly recommend the book Ultimate Guide to Google.

Radio ads: In today’s market, radio ads are a great way to get your message across.  Create a catchy ad, and make sure that you reach out to the audience that wants your product.

Newspaper ads: Sure, most papers are seeing an audience disappear, but it’s still a great way to advertise to those that read it.  Offer coupons, and discounts to get people in your door.

Word of mouth: This is my favorite advertising, because it’s free, and it’s effective.  Offer a great product, and people will slowly tell each other all about it.

TV Commercials: Everyone watches TV, and yes, with those shows come commercials.  The prices may be high, but the results can be very rewarding if you do it right.

Flyers: Hire a few college kids, and have them walk door to door, and hand out your flyers.  They don’t need to ring the doorbell, but instead, throw your flyers on the door.

Direct Mail: If you don’t like the idea of handing out flyers, you can direct mail instead.  Use direct mail services online to find addresses for your demographic.  Print out flyers, and send away!

These are just a handful of ways that you can advertise your business online, and offline.  It’s a start, and you have to remember that you’ll want to tweak, and test everything to see what works best for you.

Starting a Batting Cage Business

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Posted by admin on July 30, 2009 – 2:42 pm
Filed under Starting a Business

So, you’re thinking about starting up a batting cage business?  While it sounds like an easy business to run, it’s going to be just like any other business you may want to open up in the future.  While, a batting cage may have less maintenance, than say a restaurant, you’re still going to have to promote in order to get people through your door.

Find a suitable location

A batting cage is going to require a little bit of land, and you’re going to want to have nice road frontage as well.  Adding a batting cage in the middle of nowhere isn’t going to help you.   Like any business, you’re going to want to have people see you, as well as know where you are.

Know what kind of design

Yes, there are a lot of batting cage designs that you can choose from.  I would recommend that you research these, and get something that’s more modern.  People most likely will want to go because of the use, and the working machines.  If your machines jam, or don’t work, you’re going to have tome disgruntled customers.

The little things are going to count

A batting cage sounds like it’s going to be easy to start up, but you’re going to want to make a list of things that you’re going to need.  For example, a change machine is going to be crucial, since your machines are going to accept coins, or tokens.  Many people don’t carry around exact change in quarters.  Also, you’re going to need to supply bats and helmets for those that show up on a whim.  These are just a few of the things that you need to consider.

Know your liabilities

You’re going to have a batting cage, and that means that you’re going to responsible for everything that happens on your piece of property.  I would recommend that you meet with a lawyer to discuss responsibilities.  I wouldn’t go as far as making everyone sign a waiver, but make sure you have prominent signs displayed, as well as equipment that works right.

Know your restrictions

When you’re considering locations for your batting cage, make sure you check with your local state on their laws.  Every state, and city are going to vary when it comes to a batting cage.  I would research cities first, before you research your location.

Coming up With Money for Your New Business

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Posted by admin on July 28, 2009 – 2:57 pm
Filed under Business Tips

796205_money_-_10_billA lot of us have a dream of creating our own business.  Whether we love to cook and want to open up our own restaurant, or we want to open up a shopping store, the ideas are endless.  There are several businesses to consider, but to start your business, you first need money.  Money is what crashes peoples dreams, and doesn’t allow them to happen.  If you’re certain your business is going to be great, and a huge hit, definitely open it up.  There are a few different ways to come up with the money, continue reading below to find out how.

Loans – There are always loans you can barrow from your bank.  Try to find loans with the lowest interest rate, and research before you settle on one right away.

Downsize – If you’re looking to downsize your living space, you can gain a lot of money.  Lets say you’re married, and your kids are already out of the house, consider buying a new, and smaller house to bring in some money.  Don’t spend every penny, but at least give yourself some money to play with.  A lot of us want to downsize but never get there because we don’t want to go through the “hassle”.

Save up – If you can save up money on your own for a few years, and put it in your “business fund” you’ll be in the right direction.  Always make sure you have a savings that has a good amount of money, and then start adding to your business fund.

More hours – Spend maybe another year working for the man to save up more money.  If you can do this, you will allow yourself to not only plan how you want to do things, but you will be able to save up so much more money.

Sacrifice – If your future business means more to you than some of your prize possessions, consider trading them in for money.  Get rid of your hot rod, stop taking so many vacations, and make your spending fund have a tighter budget.  Sometimes it takes sacrifices to get the things we really want.

As you can see, there are a few different ways to bring in more money.  Never go too far, and never open up a business if your savings is already in jeopardy.  Make small changes, save up more money, and consider a few of these innocent ways to bring in more money!