Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Best Ideas Contest

The very nature of this question and answer column is that I receive a lot of questions from readers. Some I answer in this column, others privately. The sources for my answers come from many places, which recently got me thinking…

As the new year begins, I think it is time for a reader contest (with prizes!) Let me explain:

The first basis for my answers is my own personal experience:

I have owned several successful businesses and in the process, I have learned a lot and made a few mistakes, have hired and fired people, and have made money and lost money. I love being an entrepreneur and draw on this experience whenever I can to answer a reader question or offer a strategy that I think can make a difference. If an idea makes sense in my business, I figure it will probably make sense in yours.
Small business runs in my family and I am often reminded of lessons or stories from my dad, brothers, wife and so on.

Many other tips and ideas come from experts. In the course of writing my books and column, I am fortunate enough to get to meet, speak with, and interview a lot of business experts. These are people who have had extraordinary success in business and have an ability to convey what they know in interesting and understandable ways. I love sharing what they know with you.

Of course, I also review a lot of books, periodicals and websites, looking for cutting-edge trends, ideas, and tactics. These often find their way into my "Tip of the Day."

But for my money, some of the best ideas that I see come from readers and other small business owners whom I hear from on a daily basis. Whether it is people I meet at seminars, readers who write in with questions and stories, or entrepreneurs with whom I consult, real life strategies from in-the-trenches small business owners usually resonate best.

I bet you too have a great strategy or two from which we can all learn. I want to know. We need to know.

So what are your best ideas? Do you have a business approach, marketing tip, growth vehicle, or other way of building your business that can be of use to your fellow entrepreneurs? If so, I want to hear from you.

Today marks what I hope will become an annual New Year's event - the Best Ideas to Grow Your Business contest. What I am looking for are tried-and-true ways that have worked in your business which you think might help other entrepreneurs along the path.

Here are the rules:

Keep the ideas fairly general ("advertise a 1/4 page ad on Page 2 of the L.A. Times" - not good. "advertise on Page 2 of your local paper" - good.)
Any and all ideas are welcome: Anything from technology tips to business plan preparation to customer service strategies are welcome. I am looking for any idea which you have used successfully to grow your business.
Try and keep entries short - a few sentences to a few paragraphs, if possible.
Entries can be anonymous or attributed, your choice.
All entries must be received by January 31, 2006.

The best ideas will become subjects of an upcoming column, and the winner (though we should all be winners if you participate) will also get special mention and attention in my next book.

Send all entries to sstrauss@MrAllBiz.com and please use "Contest Entry" in the subject line.

On your mark, get set, grow!

Today's tip: My dad's favorite strategy was a huge sign in his store that read "Our Word of Mouth Advertising Starts With You!"