Mind Your Business
Let us talk a little business today.
Remember the neighborhood store you used to go to when you were tiny and choosing a chocolate was the biggest difficult decision you made. Every child in your vicinity knew about your latest possessions. You told people about you and how did you get that winning stuff convincing your father.
You talked about yourself then but you do not now. You go unnoticed so many times. So if you are thinking of starting something new or are a small entrepreneur, read on.
It was a time of small towns and family owned businesses. Why were they doing brisk business in those days? What has gone wrong? Blame it on the malls and stop FDI . But small entrepreneurs need to revisit the power they have and underutilizing it. The power of you, talking about yourself. Who can do it better? That’s the way you create “Word of Mouth”.
Talking was the secret to all those family owned businesses way back when (you know, in the 70s and 80s) but it really wasn’t a secret to them; it was just common sense. If you want someone to know about what you’re doing, then tell it to some and they will tell the rest of the world.
In a world controlled by the social networks and media, People love to talk. So, if you are running any small business, got a new practice set up, started a new venture. Speak up, talk about it. Share your vision that you have for your enterprise. Don’t worry about creating a sales pitch. Just convey your passion you have for the business and people will want to tell someone else.
Go ahead..Speak up. That’s the only way people hear you.
January 3rd, 2012 at 8:53 pm
Totally Different Subject and superb treatment..very crisp but totally convincing presentation (as usual)
January 4th, 2012 at 9:58 am
Well said…!!! It’s really true that people only listen to them when they speak. It’s a awesome article for people like me who are starting new small business…!!!
Thank you and keep writing and inspiring us..!!
January 5th, 2012 at 12:47 am
Indeed an inspiring write up for aspiring entrepreneurs. Great work Rama.
However, I would disagree to the point of FDI & Malls responsible for small Kirana stores not working properly.
I believe that the changing consumer buying behaviour has been majorly responsible for this. However, a consumer buying a Nike Shoe or an expensive suit from a Mall does buy Tuvar Dal or Udad Dal from the neighborhood kirana stores. Yes, sometimes they do buy from big grocery stores as well, so its the consumer buying behaviour that has changed.
And I agree that to a large extent the way the malls promote their services/products is influencing the buying behaviour but that is not a controllable factor. Cant hold the FDI on Retail responsible for it.
Again this is my thought and just wanted to share it here.