Surviving the downturn
With all the doom-and-gloom news about the economy,
a recent Angie's List CompanyConnect poll showed that
the majority of companies on Angie's List are still running strong.
86 percent of poll respondents have not cut employee wages, and less than
30 percent have had to lay employees off.
We asked business owners to share tips
and strategies for keeping the doors open and new customers calling. Here's what they said:
- Don't slack off on advertising and marketing,
says John Gallager, of Rightway Plumbing of Charlotte, North Carolina. "Emphasize your licensing,
insurance, and professionalism."
- Invest in your
company: Focus on training and making sure your company is at its best.
- "Save cash, negotiate with your vendors, train and innovate
," says Jeff Sommers of ESP Painting in Hillsboro, Oregon.
-
Start with small stuff—make sure your heating and air conditioning expenses are in check. Keeping things just a
few degrees cooler (or warmer) can add up.
Stretching your business budget can make a big difference.
- Resist the
temptation to use your credit cards.