• A little bit of luxury can go along way.   It’s okay to spend a little more money if it’s basic enough to last a few seasons.  You will find that expensive clothes don’t just cost more but fit better and last longer.  Spend more on basics and save when it comes to seasonal trendy pieces.

• Establishing the right tone in a space has much to do with the selection of color in a space. Restful rooms or rooms that require concentration often benefit from softer tones with cool under layers, while dynamic or active spaces are often established through incorporation of brighter tones with warmer under layers.

• Prior to purchasing anything, make a space plan to ensure that the room requirements are being addressed optimally. A space plan will also help determine the size and number of elements inhabiting a space, allowing you to make smart decisions that minimize wasting funds.

MARKETING

• There are online tools that will keep your calendar up to date with memorable dates from your customer.  Track their birthdays, key company dates such as anniversaries, and other milestone events.  Think of creative ways to show personalized attention to your customers.

• Your business should have its name or service as part of your email address.  Free email accounts like hotmail or yahoo are great for personal use but not for business.  To secure an email address or web address for your business visit network solutions.

• Be consistent in your ad message and style including business cards, letterhead, envelopes, invoices, signs and banners.

MANAGEMENT

• Change your own role. Stop "doing everything yourself." Delegate day-to-day operations to others and become the leader, the strategic thinker and the planner—in other words, the CEO.

• Make sure you have a business disaster recovery strategy.  In case of an emergency you should not have to worry about how you will recover.  Carefully select a business interruption insurance policy that will include records reconstruction.  Be sure you back up all of our crucial data and keep those files offsite in a safe place. 

• Do you have a dedicated staff or channel for resolving customer problems quickly and effectively?  One of the best ways to add value and stand out from your competition is to offer your customers superior customer service.   Top-flight customer service on all sales will help you build repeat business.

MONEY

• Forecast variable expenses (items such as travel and commissions that vary according to the level of sales) and fixed expenses (items like taxes and rent that stay the same, regardless of sales). Subtract these expenses from your gross margin to arrive at your estimated net income (before federal taxes). 

• Don’t overlook city, county or state governments when you seek capital. Many economic development offices have funding-assistance programs for qualified small firms.

• Pay estimated federal and state taxes 4 times a year.  Your tax advisor can help you set aside how much for each payment.