Take MSNBC’s Advice
Hey, it’s Free Advice Friday! If you have a suggested topic or question, please leave your idea in the comments section. We also welcome comments on this post! Thank you!
Thanks to an introduction by my friend and author of the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, Mike Michalowicz, I had the honor of being part of MSNBC’s makeover of Asheville Playgrounds on the show Your Business. You’ll see in the clip that several experts give tips in their particular areas, and don’t miss the advice you can glean from what MSNBC did to truly help improve and grow a business — bring in the experts!
(10) awesome comment(s)...
Gini Dietrich -
November 1, 2011 at 9:04 pm
HAHAHAH! I’m such a loser! I thought they had a playground and charged kids to play there. I couldn’t figure out how they wouldn’t have repeat customers. #offmyrocker
Love the segment and what you were able to help them do. I’ll have a glass of wine for you tonight in celebration.
P.S. I can’t wait to tell Mr. D you have a dictionary! He makes fun of me ALL THE TIME because I have one!
Dana Hughens -
November 1, 2011 at 9:33 pm
Bwaahaha! In that case, the new name would have been Pay to Play!!! The literal interpretation of that expression. About the dictionary… I have multiples. Still use them, too.
Misty -
November 1, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Enjoyed the segment – great advice to get their top customers to write a review. I think these small business owners will do well in the future with their renewed energy. Nice job!
Carrie -
November 1, 2011 at 11:30 am
Gotta say, I love seeing you on video.
OK, then, what struck me most as someone who works with small businesses is that Evelyn and Jerry were really willing to take a chance. I imagine it would be tough to suddenly, after so many years, rename, rebrand. But, they listened and they did it.
Sometimes, small businesses have to really just shake it up … especially in this economy.
Loved the segment and can’t wait to see how it is going for them. You all helped so well.
Lisa Gerber -
November 1, 2011 at 2:46 am
You guys all looked great! nice work! You know what struck me? It’s too bad there isn’t a resource like this for small business owners with viable products/services. There are so many other out there who need the same help. Just think what it would do for the economy…. sigh.
But I love it!
Dana Hughens -
November 1, 2011 at 3:51 am
Very true. It was interesting to see that this small business faced many of the same challenges as large companies we work with as our clients. Evelyn and Jerry, the owners of Asheville Playgrounds, are sincerely nice, talented and hardworking people. I can’t wait to see how their business is doing in another six months or so.
Thanks for your comment!
Abbie S. Fink -
November 1, 2011 at 12:52 am
Dana — one of the most important suggestions I can give to a business owner is know what you know and get help with what you don’t know. This couple is great at building playground equipment but when it came to marketing and public relations, they didn’t know where to start. But their willingness to listen to experts like you and implement the strategies recommended will go along way to ensuring their continued success.
I wish them (and you) continued success.
Dana Hughens -
November 1, 2011 at 1:00 am
Thank you, Abbie. As a business owner myself, I couldn’t agree more. What I didn’t know was one of the most daunting things about starting a business, but I hired a great attorney, accountant and others to help me with things beyond my areas of expertise. Relying on trusted industry colleagues, such as yourself, has also been a huge advantage.
Deb Stamp -
October 29, 2011 at 1:28 am
THIS….. is America At Work! Bravo, Dana! Inspiring story.
Dana Hughens -
October 29, 2011 at 3:13 am
Well hello, Deb! Good to hear from you, and thank you! Hope all is great in your world.