Top 10 Federal Rules for Review and Reform

Incase you don't stay current with the news from the small business administration; there is a new regulatory review and reform initiative that you should pay attention to. Earlier this year, the SBA Office of Advocacy unveiled the 2008 Top 10 Rules for Review. These recommendations were made by small business owners and their reps for federal agencies to act upon.

The Office of Advocacy is now looking for nominations to rules that need attention in 2009. Make sure you go to the SBA website and nominate and select issues that you believe need the government's attention. Keep in mind that complying with federal regulations costs our economy over $1.1 trillion per year... that can't be right, right? Well it's true. And guess who is paying the brunt of it? One clue, its not big corporations or the average Joe.

We need to work with federal agencies and get involved with the SBA Office of Advocacy. So if you aren't involved, please do so. We all know the bureaucracies of our government and all the red tape we need to go through to resolve issues... that is why it's so important to find outdated and ineffective regulations for federal agencies to review and make changes.

Remember, improving rules improves your business.

~Philip Mathew
Trade Shows Editors

The Recession-proof Shopper

An online survey recently commissioned by Elle Magazine revealed that women are still shopping, and get this; they are still spending a lot of money despite the economic conditions. Researchers label them "recession-proof shoppers," and identified these women at a median age of 29; with 65% in the workforce, and only 52% working full-time; and have a median household income of $62,000. A little more than half of the women surveyed spend over $2,000 or more per year on clothes and 40% spend $750 or more on shoes and accessories. The survey estimates that nearly eight percent of all women - that equals 5.4 million consumers - in the U.S. are recession-proof shoppers.

If you want, you can read all the stats in BrandWeek's article, but the more important thing to do is figure out how to market to these "recession proof shoppers." Read our feature on Host a Girls Night Out and follow our guidelines to develop a better strategy in reaching out to these women. We thought of some simple ideas to implement, like partnering with a local store and offering free chocolate or flowers; to more creative strategies, like hiring a massage therapist, or giving away some type of facial or hand treatment, and sending out press release to promote your event. 

Let us know what you think of these ideas and if you try any of it out, please do share how it worked out for your business. Also let us know the plans you thought up yourselves and put into action. Good Luck!

- Philip P. Mathew
Trade Show Editor

Be Nice & Customers Will Love You Forever!

In a recent article on maintaining a thriving business, we shared 12 tips on how small business owners can increase sales. I loved this article because it really reinforces that if we stay focused and keep going, we will be successful. One of the biggest takeaways is that of providing great customer service. Specifically, point's number 6 and number 9 stood out to me. Be nice and provide off-the-charts customer service.

Recently, while shopping at two retailers I experienced the benefits of fabulous customer service, compared to the downside of apathetic service. In one instance, a salesperson helped me find a pair of shoes that I would not have normally picked. But, once they were on my feet, I was blown away! I ended up spending roughly $50 more than I intended (with zero pressure from the sales person) and didn't buy any of the shoes I had picked out. Right after that, I went to a clothing retailer, who did not offer to help me in any way and when I did ask for help, the staff was completely indifferent. To top it off, the store was a total disaster, which only made me want to leave as soon as possible.

From this experience, I encourage you to 1) make sure your store is organized (although this seems like a given!) and 2) provide exceptional customer service at all times. In today's economic climate, it's exactly what will bring customers back again and again, not to mention, it's what will have them spending more. Be friendly, take an interest and don't be afraid to make suggestions. Sometimes your picks will be more than the customer wanted to spend, sometimes it will be less. But, one thing is for sure--if you have your customer's best interests at heart, you can never go wrong.

Do you have an exceptional customer service story?
Post it here!

-Heather Strang

Will Consumers Spend Checks at Retail Or On Bills? Cast Your Vote Here!

The recent economic stimulus checks have everyone buzzing. Retailers are eagerly offering incentives in hopes of luring customers into spending their $600+ checks with them. Checks go out through July 2008, leaving retailers with time to offer up promotions, freebies and other goodies to entice consumers. However, many believe that with rising gas prices (and therefore rising food, shipping, clothing, etc. costs) consumers will spend their checks on items they've already consumed, namely bills.

What do you think? Is your store traffic increasing? Or have you noticed a shift?

What are you and your business associates planning on doing with your economic stimulus checks?
Cast your vote here!

-Heather Strang

Teens, Tweens Flock to Celebrity Goods

For businesses targeting the teen and tween demographic, there's one sure fire way to lure them in--with celebrities. Whether it's Britney, Hannah Montana or The Hills, teens and tweens love celebrity gear.

Even C and D-list celebrities will do, as the recent popularity of Heidi Montag from the "reality" show The Hills demonstrates. While Montag plays a bit part on the show, she recently was given her own clothing line with Anchor Blue (intelligently titled Heidiwood). Miley Cyrus is another example, with a wide variety of products that teens and tweens clamor for. The 15-year-old reportedly even has a book coming out. Although, what could a 15-year-old have to say about life?!

Either way, the focus on celeb's is a great marketing tool for retailers to cash in on. Be sure to stock your store with any and all celeb-related products, such as gift items, jewelry or clothing. When you do, be ready, because the teens and tweens will be there, parents in tow.

-Heather Strang

Shop.Org Merchandising Workshop For Your Business

If social networking sites, e-commerce and web site applications are making your head dizzy, you may want to check out Shop.org's upcoming Online Merchandising Workshop, July 14-16, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa in Huntington Beach, Calif.

The workshop will help small business owners create online merchandising practices that make sense for their company, as well as conducting analysis on merchandising decisions and the best ways to create a more customer-centric web site.

Speakers will include the president and CEO of Walmart.com, and representatives from Borders Group, Spencer's and Resource Interactive--to name a few.

To top it off, it all takes place at a beautiful location. Maybe a business trip/mini-vacation are in your future? Register today as time is running out!

And let us know if you do attend, we'd love to hear all about it. Have you attended previous Shop.org workshops? If so, leave your comments here.

-Heather Strang

SBA's 1st Quarter Economic Indicator isn't All Bad News

The Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy released their 1st Quarter Economic Indicator. The news indicated that the U.S. economy is still sluggish in rising above its ongoing weakness. The economy grew 0.6 percent in the first quarter of 2008, just like it did in the previous quarter. The press release also stated that consumer spending rose a mere one percent, which is the slowest rate since the second quarter of 2001. Wow! So, basically we're still going to be stuck in a rut. I think even L.A. traffic is moving at a faster rate than our economy now.

But of course, not all the news was bad in the SBA's quarterly indicator. Real exports benefited from our weak dollar with annualized growth of 5.5. percent for the quarter. So, what does this mean to you and me? Well, its time to go global if you haven't already done so. Take advantage of our current situation. The Bush administration spent two terms working on Free Trade Agreements with so many countries, and believe it or not, it was designed to help you. Yes, the agreements have been scrutinized and the international laws still aren't as easy for us as it has been made for those we partnered with, but if you do a little bit of research, and put in some hard work, you can make the economic situation work for your benefit. If you haven't read our Guidelines for going global, take five minutes and do so. Don't worry, there's no need to thank me.

- Philip P. Mathew
Trade Show Editor

P.S. Don't just read our Guidelines... apply it!

Mother's Day Is Excellent Opportunity for Merchants, Retailers

Mother's Day is coming up this Sunday, and presents a great opportunity for mom and pop shops. With recent reports indicating that consumers will still be spending cash this season ($138.63 on average), small retailers can capture these dollars with fun and unique offerings.

TCBY is offering free frozen yogurt for mom; while other retailers are offering special discounts, flowers for the first 100 mom's and chair massages.

What can your store offer to appeal to moms? Below are some easy-to-implement ideas:

-Go to local flower vendor and purchase 50 carnations. Offer carnations to the first 50 moms that come in to your store Mother's Day weekend.

-Contact a local massage therapist who can set up a chair and provide 5 minute chair massages for mom's during a specific time period (example: 11am-1pm). It's a great marketing opportunity for the massage therapist and excellent for business!

-10-20 percent off specific items in the store that are mom-relevant.

-Chocolates for the first 25 to 50 moms that come into your store. Truffles are a great option for this.

Once you have your special Mother's Day offer in place, it's time to promote it. Here are some ways to let the public know about your store specials:

-Post it on your blog.
-Send out a press release to local media.
-Email your customer list.
-Post a bulletin on your MySpace or Facebook account.
-In-store signage.

What are some of the special ways your store will be honoring moms? Leave your comments here.

-Heather Strang

[Photo by Gareth Simpson, U.K.]

Happy Earth Day!

The increased focus on the health of our Earth is certainly cause for celebration. But, it's more than just a day-long party. Many retailers and organizations are extending the Earth Day celebration all week and all month long. In addition, retailers are increasingly reaping the benefits as customers clamor for eco-friendly products. Environmentally focused jewelry is turning up as one of the hottest selling eco-friendly items.

Check out a few of these green goodies that just might be perfect for your store:

-Mauri Pioppo's Live Green Collection features two stunning pieces (that I could find) made with reclaimed metals. Fifteen percent of proceeds go to the Natural Resources Defense Council. We love that!
-Peace Love Earth necklaces and pendants are hippie chic, and are made from recycled pure .925 sterling silver.
-Pono by Joan Goodman features a Save the Planet bangle. 10 percent of the proceeds go to the Climate Project.

Who knew that helping the environment could look so good?!
So, what are YOU up to today to commemorate Earth Day?

Here are some ideas:
-Walk/bike or use public transportation everywhere you go today.
-Turn your computer off when you're done with it--same goes for that printer.
-Replace all light bulbs with compact fluorescents.
-Turn a light off as soon as you leave the room.
-Have customers submit their best Earth Day activity for a discount or prize at your store.
-Donate a portion of your monthly sales to an earth-friendly organization.
-Recycle everything!

Tell us about your Earth Day activities here.
-Heather Strang

Spring Gift Pick's

Spring is sprung! And the new season means an overwhelming influx of fascinating (and fun!) gift goodies for the kids. TD Monthly recently released its gift pick's for April. Check out my favorites:

1) Flatten Me Gift Pack. While I wasn't too keen on the pirate gift pack, in my opinion the fairy gift pack looked like a lot of fun. And it's perfect timing. The World Fairy Festival takes place May 3-4, 2008 and shoppers are sure to be on the hunt for fairy merchandise.

2) Mini UFO Aquarium. Great for kids with eco-friendly parents, this aquarium is made from 100 percent recycled materials.

3) Love Bug Onesie. This adorable onesie kills two birds with one stone; it's a perfect baby shower gift for the recent onslaught of babies being born (I have friends giving birth pretty much every month until September!) and it's made of totally organic cotton. With an increased demand for eco-friendly products, this onesie fits the bill.

4) Wow Cookie Dolls Kit. Now, little girls everywhere can be domestic divas and make fashionable cookies. (Who knew there was a need for such a thing?!).

5) Help Me, Mr. Mutt! – Expert Answers for Dogs With People Problems by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel. For dog lovers, this book features newspaper clippings and letters to a dog expert.

Do you have a favorite new spring gift product for kids or adults? Clue us in here by leaving a comment.
-Heather Strang

[Spring flowers by Uwe H. Friese.]