http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum Young Entrepreneur Forums - your online discussion forum to share and talk about Entrepreneurship. A place to learn and to help others with starting, managing and growing successful business ventures. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:00:12 GMT vBulletin 1 http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/images/ye/misc/rss.jpg http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f46-it-and-internet/improving-my-software-51268.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:13:21 GMT Hello, my name is Nathan.
I'm relatively new to this site yet it seems the most appropriate place to seek advice on an idea of mine.

I have some basic programming knowledge which I have finally put to some use.
I've started on a simple application, based on simple code, that does a simple but useful job. There are programmes that are similar but they overcomplicate the task, mine is built for ease of use.

What I'm looking for is someone with more experience in this area which can help improve the software.
Also if I found someone to help, what protection do I have against them stealing my idea/code?

And finally, what is the best way of generating money from the software, free with advertising / charge for the software / other.

Thank you. ]]> ndawson293 http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f46-it-and-internet/improving-my-software-51268.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f14-young-entrepreneur-lounge/obama-giant-lollipops-and-unique-selling-propositions-51267.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:21:37 GMT If you've been involved in sales and/or marketing for any length of time, you've probably heard the term "Unique Selling Proposition." But just in case you haven't, let me explain what a USP is.

A Unique Selling Proposition is what makes a business unique and/or different from all other businesses in its category. For example, the USP for a high-end restaurant, might include the exclusive clientele it serves, a specialized menu, white glove service, as well as other exclusive amenities. Continue reading Obama, Giant Lollipops and Unique Selling Propositions.

David Jackson ]]> Young Entrepreneur Lounge David Jackson http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f14-young-entrepreneur-lounge/obama-giant-lollipops-and-unique-selling-propositions-51267.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f10-e-commerce/which-product-to-choose-and-any-dropshippers-51266.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:08:29 GMT Hi I want to sell on ebay. Which products do you recommend and need any dropshippers... Waiting for your help. Regards Hi

I want to sell on ebay. Which products do you recommend and need any dropshippers...

Waiting for your help.

Regards ]]> E-Commerce spy1983tr http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f10-e-commerce/which-product-to-choose-and-any-dropshippers-51266.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f2-general-business/improving-customer-experiences-is-it-still-important-or-is-price-the-only-thing-that-matters-51265.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:43:28 GMT *Has the economic downturn minimized the importance of the Customer Experience?* In Chapter 5 of my book, Strategy Activation: How to Turn Your Vision into Marketplace Success, I talk about how important it is to improve your holistic customer experience to differentiate your company from your... Has the economic downturn minimized the importance of the Customer Experience?

In Chapter 5 of my book, Strategy Activation: How to Turn Your Vision into Marketplace Success, I talk about how important it is to improve your holistic customer experience to differentiate your company from your competitors. As products and services continue down the inexorable path toward commodification, it is the ongoing customer experience that drives customers to choose one vendor over another.

However, in the past two years, as the economic downturn has forced significant changes in customer behavior, many have questioned the importance of the overarching customer experience. These naysayers claim that in tough times price is the only thing that matters. Customers, they say, are more likely to accept a bad experience as long as they are getting a good deal. This perspective, however, is not confirmed by the data.

When Money is Tight, Customers Expect an Even Greater Customer Experience...

The most recent Harris Interactive Customer Experience Impact Report surveyed consumers on how they engage with companies both online and via phone, what they find frustrating, and how negative and positive customer experiences affect them.

They discovered these facts that are startling to most business owners today...

* 87% of the surveyed consumers stopped doing business with an organization or company because of a negative customer experience. That's up from 68% reported just two years ago.

* Even during tough economic times, the significance of customer experiences does not dwindle. More than half (58%) of consumers polled said they will pay more for a better customer experience during a down economy.

* Consumers stated that the most important thing companies could do to encourage them to spend more is to improve the overall customer experience

So, it's clear that even when finances are tight, people still value good service.

Why This Study's Results Are Not Surprising To Me...

When money is easy to come by customers are likely to be more forgiving. Consider this restaurant dining example...

When the economy was booming many couples found themselves dining out twice per week or more. With eight to ten dining-out occasions per month a single bad experience is easily forgotten. However, when belts tighten, monthly dining-out occasions may settle back to just two or three. With fewer opportunities to "splurge" on an evening out couples and families now demand that each experience justifies the expenditure of limited funds. Thus a bad experience like poor service, long wait times and cold food makes a bigger impression and stays with us longer.

Once you have a bad customer experience, you may wait months before you visit that restaurant again – and that's if you ever go back. Plus, you'll probably tell your family and friends about your experience. This will make them think twice before they visit that restaurant.

Real Proof That Bad Customer Experience News Travels Far...

A recently published Forrester Research report, "How Customer Experience Drives Word of Mouth" cites:

* Consumers tend to discuss bad experiences with more people than they discuss good ones

* Gen Xers, as a group, tend to tell the most people about a bad experience

* Gen Yers are the chattiest in general. They are more likely to tell someone about a good experience. They are also the most likely to share a bad experience.

So, don't you think that you should find out right now exactly what your customers are saying about your organization's performance over the past eighteen months? Have their experiences diminished in the wake of corporate austerity? As we begin to see the recession bottom out, now is the time to explore this issue; to find new ways to improve the customer experience; to ensure that your customers have only good things to say!

Strategy Execution Consultant Scott Glatstein, President of Imperatives LLC turns market opportunities into record breaking profits even in a recession. Now, with his new book, "Strategy Activation: How to Turn Your Vision into Marketplace Success," Scott unveils his groundbreaking plan for improved customer experiences and higher strategic profits. Get your FREE Sneak Preview at: strategyactivation.com ]]> General Business sglatstein http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f2-general-business/improving-customer-experiences-is-it-still-important-or-is-price-the-only-thing-that-matters-51265.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/13-year-old-web-design-business-51264.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:11:22 GMT Hello,

This is my first post on this forum.
I'm thinking about creating a small web design business since I'm intrested in that stuff, and I hve just finished a bunch of chunky books about the world of the web. However, the thing is that I am only 13, and I have school and stuff, but I also have no idea how long it would take to design and built a full site for a client...

I would dedicate 1 hour a night on this business, and about 5 in total on the weekend. I don't really have muhch time to do any more than this.

If you think that i can't fit web design into my schedule, what ohter business could I make (preferably on the internet, since we don't have many neighbours for me to mow lawns etc.)

I like the idea of having my own business, I just don't know if i have the time...

Thank you everyone :) ]]> Startups Olliewebster http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/13-year-old-web-design-business-51264.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f54-social-entrepreneurs/www-greencardonations-com-51263.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:01:32 GMT Green Car Donations

Currently this is just a blog that I've started to get more traffic to my site related to the environment and renewable energy. The goal is to plug a few 'green' non-profits into the site soon so I can start taking vehicle donations for them.

I was wondering if anyone can think of a non-profit that does tangible work in the renewable energy sector? I'm only looking to work with people who will use 100% of the money towards the purchase of equipment for the development of renewable energy projects. I'm not looking to fund research or educational programs.

Any ideas? ]]> Social Entrepreneurs rogercbryan http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f54-social-entrepreneurs/www-greencardonations-com-51263.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f2-general-business/stationary-business-startup-costs-51262.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:10:38 GMT Today, ive given in my notice for my job. . im starting a fresh outlook, and was wondering what startup costs id be looking at to start a stationary supplier company to major companies in my area (South west UK) anyone have expereince in starting something like this up? market appeal etc. Today, ive given in my notice for my job. .

im starting a fresh outlook, and was wondering what startup costs id be looking at to start a stationary supplier company to major companies in my area (South west UK)

anyone have expereince in starting something like this up? market appeal etc. ]]> General Business Lee Billing http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f2-general-business/stationary-business-startup-costs-51262.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f2-general-business/craigslist-51261.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:49:02 GMT Im looking at expanding my business and would like to do something on craigslist but dont know where to post an add for a business looking for clients. I own a security company in Wayne and looking to service the area withing about 100 mile. How would i post for all those locations would i have to... Im looking at expanding my business and would like to do something on craigslist but dont know where to post an add for a business looking for clients. I own a security company in Wayne and looking to service the area withing about 100 mile. How would i post for all those locations would i have to do them each or is there a way i can do a mass post.
Would also like to know what other sites are out there to help advertise on that do not cost an arm and a leg. ]]> General Business TIM_S_JR http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f2-general-business/craigslist-51261.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f48-hosting-and-domains/11-95-per-year-do-you-know-anything-cheaper-51260.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:58:51 GMT I have just come across neowebspace.com and got to know that their hosting plans start from $11.95 per year and I would like to ask you to tell me your points concerning this offer. Can I trust them? Do you know anything cheaper? I have just come across neowebspace.com and got to know that their hosting plans start from $11.95 per year and I would like to ask you to tell me your points concerning this offer.
Can I trust them?
Do you know anything cheaper? ]]> BarKeeper http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f48-hosting-and-domains/11-95-per-year-do-you-know-anything-cheaper-51260.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f41-management/motivating-employees-the-power-of-thank-you-51259.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:36:34 GMT Hi Every One,
One of the best ways to motivate your team members, whether they're employees or consultants, is by saying Thank You.

The motivational power of appreciating someone's work is proven time and time again in job satisfaction surveys. Employees rank being appreciated at their job as more important than the amount they earn when it comes to overall job satisfaction.

Once the word gets out that you appreciate hard work, and express that appreciation, other team members will be motivated to start putting forth the effort necessary to be thanked.

Here are some ways to add impact to your thank you:

1. Recognize what the team member has accomplished publicly. For example, send the employee an email and copy your boss. Use Twitter, your blog and Facebook to recognize their good job. Comment on their work on LinkedIn.

2. The uniqueness of a handwritten note will not go unnoticed. Send a thank you note but not to the team member. Send it to their boss, spouse or child. Your thank you will have a much bigger impact if you express your appreciation to someone who may have sacrificed while your team member was working on your project.

3. Write a brief article or notice to a trade organization or magazine to broadcast the quality of your team member's work. Consider putting something in your company's newsletter or other communication tool.

4. When thanking consultants or sub-contractors that are used on an ongoing basis, consider sending a gift basket, edible treats or flowers. If you decide to use this type of gesture make sure you do it at an off-peak time when their office isn't overwhelmed with cards or gifts (like the Christmastime holidays). Consider sending your thank you at Thanksgiving, Halloween, Fourth of July, etc. Or don't coordinate your thank you gift with a holiday at all.

5. Don't forget to recognize other team members like public officials that took part through approvals or inspections. Their contributions are rarely recognized. Even though they aren't paid members of your team, their contributions do make a significant impact on the success of your project. Keep in mind that there may be restrictions in place that prevent public officials from accepting gifts but the goodwill value of a thank you is priceless.

6. Recognition doesn't necessarily have to relate to the work that consultants or sub-contractors are doing for you. Keep an eye out for news about their company either online or in print. Send a note acknowledging whatever the accomplishment was (company growth, project completion, promotion, etc.)

7. If possible, invite sub-contractors' and consultants' employees to celebratory events related to your successful project. Include not only the employees that worked on the project but their boss and support staff. Quite often consultants' support staff doesn't get a chance to see the end result of their work and input.

8. Be original. Make your thank you memorable so that its impact will be long lasting.

Best Regards..... ]]> Management Ryan Heatherson http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f41-management/motivating-employees-the-power-of-thank-you-51259.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f41-management/board-of-directors-10-key-questions-to-ask-yourself-51258.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:31:25 GMT Hi Every Body, If you are a Board Member or are considering joining a Board, you should have answers to the following 10 questions. If you are in the contemplation stage, these basic questions will help to guide your decision. If you are already serving on a Board, they will act as a... Hi Every Body,
If you are a Board Member or are considering joining a Board, you should have answers to the following 10 questions. If you are in the contemplation stage, these basic questions will help to guide your decision. If you are already serving on a Board, they will act as a reminder of why you are there, and may even prompt you to make some meaningful adjustments.

1. Why Do I Want To Sit On This Board?

What compelled you to this organization and why are you a good fit? Consider the reasons you want to associate your name and reputation with a particular organization. The company's values and beliefs should echo your own. The association should be complementary and mutually beneficial.

2. Am I Passionate About The Organization?

Good organizations need and deserve board members who genuinely care about, and can contribute to, their inner workings and objectives. Not ones who just take up space. Are you passionate about the organization and it's vision? Don't accept a position just to look good or add perceived value to your own portfolio. If your heart's not in it, it's time to move on.

3. Do The Mission Statement, Vision And Core Values Match Reality?

If not, it is your responsibility to speak up. Part of your role is to give wise counsel, and to ensure that the organization and leadership stay focused and on track. Get input from all levels of the company and engage your fellow board members. Part of the privilege of sitting on a board is to have a voice. Use yours to make a positive difference.

4. What Is The History Of The Organization?

Don't stay in the dark. Make it your business to understand what has gone on within the organization along with the current landscape. What key hiring and firing decisions have been made, and why? Check historical audit statements, forecasts vs. actuals, project timelines, projections and performance. The past is a looking glass into the present and possibly the future. Get informed.

5. Are There Negative Issues That Persist, And Why?

Insist on transparency and honesty. You are there to serve. You can't serve optimally if things are kept in the shadows or are left unchecked year in and year out. Be willing to ask the tough questions and expect timely and intelligent responses and action. Purpose to make a meaningful impact on your "watch". Turning a blind eye serves no one.

6. How Will The CEO's Performance Be Evaluated?

Every officer, especially the CEO, needs to take responsibility for the ultimate success or underperformance of an organization. Without accountability at the top, what precedent does it set for the rest of the organization? As is expected for every other person in a company, there must be clearly established performance guidelines, success indicators, and disciplinary steps--along with routine board evaluations, that must be adhered to. The life of the organization depends on it.

7. How Will The Executives Be Held Accountable?

You need to determine if you care enough about the vision to hold the executives accountable in word and action. As a board member, part of governance is being responsible, regulating, controlling, overseeing and directing. It is both a privilege and a duty. There is no need to apologize for stepping up to the plate and performing your agreed upon duty. It's why you are there.

8. Are You Willing to Take A Stand?

Are you willing to take a stand even if it means standing alone? There may come a time when your conscience won't allow you to rubber stamp a decision that simply opposes your best judgment and the organization's best interest. Be honest with yourself about your fears, and possibly a misplaced sense of loyalty. Sometimes "rocking the boat" is a good thing.

9. What Is My Personal Commitment?

Once my name is on the roster, what next? Can I honestly commit to put the time, energy, thought and availability into the health, growth, disciplines and success of this organization? Will my schedule permit my full attention? Can I separate my friendship with the CEO from potentially sensitive decisions? Am I willing to do what it takes to go beyond the surface, and take ownership on a personal level?

10. What Can I Bring To The Board?

Boards need members who are fully engaged participants. Just being present at meetings doesn't qualify as due diligence. Think about the type of investment you can offer. What time, expertise, resources, or donor connections can you bring to the table? Volunteer, make suggestions or start a sub-committee. Be pro-active. Find ways you can personally be a part of the solution.

The best Boards of Directors are ones whose members are free to exercise the very strengths that brought them to the table in the first place. They are both valued and held accountable, along with the CEO, for their contributions and commitment to the vision, health and long-term success of the organization.

Best Regards......... ]]> Management Ryan Heatherson http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f41-management/board-of-directors-10-key-questions-to-ask-yourself-51258.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f41-management/lean-is-more-than-you-think-51257.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:27:58 GMT Hi Every Body, When most people hear about Lean (in manufacturing or service industries), they almost always start with a false assumption about what it is. They term conjures up getting rid of people, reducing breaks, and locking up the pencil cabinet. Lean is actually light years... Hi Every Body,
When most people hear about Lean (in manufacturing or service industries), they almost always start with a false assumption about what it is. They term conjures up getting rid of people, reducing breaks, and locking up the pencil cabinet. Lean is actually light years apart from this.

The term "Lean" was coined by Jim Womack in the 1980's as a way to describe how the Toyota Motor Company was able to be productive with far less resources than the American counterparts. This included the effort needed to design and product cars, less capital investment, fewer defective cars, less inventories, and better employee engagement.

Since that time, Lean has spread across the globe, covering just about any sector imaginable. All sorts of manufacturing companies have adopted Lean, from other automotive companies to consumer product companies and everything in between. Lean has also been widely adopted in the service industries from health care to education to information technology. The reason? In short, Lean delivers business results.

Many people confuse the tools of Lean (5s, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, etc.) with what Lean actually is. Lean is a way of thinking that aims to reduce waste (i.e., non-value adding activity) across the enterprise in order to provide the best possible products and services to the customer. There are many components that go into reducing waste including shortened cycle time, an orderly work environment, problem solving by all employees, and many other things.

It's also important to understand what Lean is not. It isn't a fad-of-the-month driven by the consulting industry. Lean has been around and applied for decades with tremendous results. It is also not overly complex, particularly when compared to Six Sigma. The tools of Lean are available to all employees to understand and practice.

Looking at all of these things, it is clear that Lean is a business system that should be carefully considered by any organization that is looking to make significant improvements in profitability and growth.

Best Regards......... ]]> Management Ryan Heatherson http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f41-management/lean-is-more-than-you-think-51257.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/new-bartending-service-non-profit-for-profit-style-51256.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:17:25 GMT Google.org is a for-profit organization that is taking philanthropy by doing the non-traditional approach. They seek for social returns rather than economic returns. Blah blah blah....but they manage Google Foundation which is a separate private 501c(3) foundation. For more info, go on google... Google.org is a for-profit organization that is taking philanthropy by doing the non-traditional approach. They seek for social returns rather than economic returns. Blah blah blah....but they manage Google Foundation which is a separate private 501c(3) foundation.

For more info, go on google and seach "google.org for-profit"

Ohhhhhhhhhhkay, did they just bust some loophole kind of thing here? What makes this legal? How does it work? I want to start a business just like this.

I'm trying to figure out a way to get my side going. My ideas were:

1) be a non-profit organization and in the future apply for 501c3 status.
2) be a non-profit and not worry about 501c3 status
3) be a for-profit and not deal with that whole strict non-profit whatever and just donate all the money

Basically, I'm a bartender in Las Vegas, NV and I want to do what google is doing. I want to offer my services but I want to give away all the money. I don't want to see a dime. I'm just there to build my resume and show the world that I do care about the community.

I also have another question. Can I have the word "foundation" in my for-profit business name? For example: Liquored Up Foundation or Event Enhancing Foundation. ]]> Startups jirehlubrin http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/new-bartending-service-non-profit-for-profit-style-51256.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f10-e-commerce/search-system-catalogue-51253.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:13:22 GMT Good day,

I have opportunity to make interesting recourse B2B and B2C; it will be online catalogue with details to every company’s goods in special industry,

Business interest is count of client and clicks to their advertising,

I clearly understand how to grow SEO and what want to see client in my site, but in this situation I have few problems,

1) How to involved client visit my site again? make some forum or conversations with company, question – answer … please advice
2) I must have some special opportunities in my site for clients, for winning competition. Will be great to hear ideas or advising

Thanks in advance, ]]> E-Commerce mag_russia http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f10-e-commerce/search-system-catalogue-51253.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f49-review-my-website/review-my-cash-for-gold-website-51252.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:35:23 GMT what is your feedback on this website, what kind of improvements should I make it any.. does it look trustworthy. WeMeltGold4Cash: Homepage (http://www.wemeltgold4cash.com/) what is your feedback on this website, what kind of improvements should I make it any.. does it look trustworthy.
WeMeltGold4Cash: Homepage ]]> Review My Website Shahab814@yahoo.com http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f49-review-my-website/review-my-cash-for-gold-website-51252.html