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“Having a business retreat for my sewing buddies and thought this would be a great way to spend part of the weekend!! The Bare Bones Weekend Biz Plan has made a big difference in my business. Thank you.”
Susan Bartholomew
Susan SewsAbout Ellen
I'm Ellen Rohr, president of Bare Bones Biz. I teach the business basics. The things that make all the difference to your business success. I've helped thousands of biz builders start, fix and grow their companies. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Google+I'm a columnist for PHC News and contributor to many business journals and trade magazines. I provide "in the trenches" insight that business owners can relate to. More...
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Category Archives: Sales
The Secret Power of Gratitude for Business Today
How a simple “thank you” can increase your revenue Economic times being what they are, business people are leaving no stone unturned in search of revenue generating ideas. While the days of lavish parties and expensive junkets may be over, … Continue reading
Do Business Owners Know What Their Customers Want?
Research Shows 90% Do Not… What customers value most changes constantly, and the pace of change has increased exponentially with the economic recession. The businesses who become relevant by addressing what customers really value at any given time will be … Continue reading
How to Give an Elevator Speech
Serendipity: The faculty of happening upon fortunate discoveries when not in search of them. I love the moments that take me completely by surprise. When I expect one thing and find another. The other day I received a call from … Continue reading
Take NO for an answer!
“NO!” This word stands between you and everything you want. No wonder it is such a tough word to hear. But if you are going to survive in this industry you are going to have to learn to hear “no” … Continue reading
Be Making Money by Monday
Figure out how to sell something – a product or service – for more than it costs to create it, and you manufacture money out of nothing. Sells stuff for more than it costs. Create profits. Collect the cash. Pass … Continue reading
The ‘S’ Word
“We aren’t using the ‘S’ word at our company anymore,” my friend announced, in response to my “How’s biz?” greeting. “Really? Why not?” I asked. “My service plumbers are offended by the ‘S’ word. I wouldn’t use the ‘S’ word … Continue reading
Posted in Getting it Sold, Plumbers, Sales
Tagged Business, Business process, Entrepreneurship, Sales, Selling, Tippi Hedren
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Tracking Contractor Jobs
Contractors are notorious for shortchanging themselves. They often don’t charge enough per hour. Or, put enough hours in the Job. How about you? Do you know if your prices are right? Do you know if you are properly bidding your … Continue reading
Posted in Accounting, Contractors, Getting it Done, Sales
Tagged Employment, Flat rate, Job Cost, Job costing, Job Folders, management accounting, Service Department, technician
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“I’m just getting started. How do I market with NO money?”
Recently I received an email from “Nelly” about his soon-to-be-open business. He had already put together his Bare Bones Biz Plan but wondered about his next step… “How do I get customers?” Dear Ellen, I’ve got my business plan (Thanks … Continue reading
Il dolce far niente…
Greetings! Mio figlio took this picture…look closely and see me, my sisters Tae and Lynn between the shrubs, part of the garden. Max lives in Italy now…has made big steps in speaking the langue and living like a local. He … Continue reading
