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With over 25 years of frontline experience Tom Shay is America's leading small business management expert. He's a "Must Have" for your next event.

Profits_Plus Solutions


December 2006
Volume 8 Issue 1
The beginning of our 8th year!


Article of the Month

Was Michelangelo trained?

Just this past month, I was using this article as an example to an audience. If you have talented people, are you stifling them by not allowing them to utilize their talents? Click on Article of the Month to view and read this article.

Book of the Month


Hidden Persuaders
by Vince Packard

This book is a classic. When you look on the title page and find out that it was written in the 1950's, you will be amazed at how marketing and branding has been with us for years.

We have more books to suggest for your reading. How about a New Year resolution for 2007 to read more business books? Click on Book Referral to visit this page on our site.

 

Contact Us:

Profits Plus
P.O. Box 128
Dardanelle, AR
72834 USA
(727) 823-7205 Voice
(727) 898-3179 Fax


Seminar Logo
Business Advisory

This is the way it is supposed to work!

Bill Kendy is a great friend who is also a writer and speaker who knows selling, inside and out. He called this week to share a personal experience. It was so neat as I could feel the excitement in his voice.

He was walking into an auto parts store to purchase a gallon of anti-freeze. He said the salesperson was friendly and polite. As he was at the register, the salesperson said, "You know, I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that we have wiper blades on sale this weekend. Regularly $8.95 each, you can get two for that price."

The salesman continued, "Now I know you are thinking, 'the last thing I need is a pair of wiper blades'. But wiper blades don't tell you when they are going to fail. $8.95 is a really cheap price to keep yourself safe in your car. Are you married? Does your wife drive her own car? I can help you select the right blades for your wife's car and you will have that same piece of mind for her and her safety."

Wow! What a way to take care of customers! Bill said he made a point to stay in the store and watch the salesman work his magic. The percentage of closing the sale on wiper blades was exceptionally high. Why? Because the salesman was selling peace of mind, not wiper blades. What do the people in your business sell?

Internet Tip of The Month

New Calculator: Gross Margin Discount

33! That's the new head count on the number of calculators on the Profits Plus website. We have always prided ourselves on listening to you - whether we see you at a trade show or conference, or when you correspond with us by e-mail or phone.

The first of the new calculators we want to introduce is designed to help you plan your seasonal markdowns. While it is not a common practice with small businesses, larger businesses use a tool just like this calculator. The idea for this calculator is that you are able to plan the markdowns for an item for the season.

You start with the initial amount of inventory and the gross margin. You have the option to take markdowns of an amount you determine for whatever quantity of inventory you choose. Do this several times over the season for that product and the calculator will show you how much gross margin you will have maintained for the entire season.

Click on this link to visit this page: Gross Margin Discount Page

The Power Promoting Idea of the Month

Magic Santa Dust

This month's power promoting idea comes from one of the members of our staff. D. Wendal Attig has been with us since we first opened Profits Plus. He is responsible for the Profits Plus logo, and all of the artwork for all of our books and company images. This promotional idea is one that he learned by way of a store in New York state. Click on this link to read the letter that D. Wendal sent to us five years ago.

Magic Santa Dust Story

 

 

 

 

 

PROFITS PLUS, FOUNDER OF...

 

©1998-2025 Profits Plus Solutions, Inc.
Tom Shay
PO Box 128
Dardanelle, AR 72834

(727)823-7205

JANUARY 2025
Have the Small Business Advisories and News sent to your inbox. Subscribe HERE

Small Business

AdvisorieS

As we write the January Small Business News, we notice the announcements by Big Lots and Party City that they are closing all their stores. Is this a concern for the overall economy? Or, is it two businesses that should have rethought who their target customer is?

Small Business

NewS

Top Story

Is there a feeling of contentment or achievement in your business? We use the examples of two businesses that seem to have been demonstrating they are content in what they are doing? Which way is your business headed?

Article of the Month

Many businesses think margin is the key factor when determining how they price their products or services. The article of the month has a couple of additional factors for you to consider. After all it is about the money you keep.


Book of the Month

Shark Tales by by Barbara Corcoran and Bruce Littlefield. If you are a television watcher, you may have seen Barbara Corcoran on Shark Tank. This is the story of how she progressed from waitress to selling her initial business for $66 million.

BOOK US

With over 25 years of frontline experience Tom Shay is America's leading Small Business Management Expert. He's a "Must Have" for your next event.

Small Business

Advisories

As we write the January Small Business News, we notice the announcements by Big Lots and Party City that they are closing all their stores. Is this a concern for the overall economy? Or, is it two businesses that should have rethought who their target customer is?

Small Business

News

 

Top Story

Is there a feeling of contentment or achievement in your business? We use the examples of two businesses that seem to have been demonstrating they are content in what they are doing? Which way is your business headed?


Article of the Month

Many businesses think margin is the key factor when determining how they price their products or services. The article of the month has a couple of additional factors for you to consider. After all it is about the money you keep.


Book of the Month

Shark Tales by by Barbara Corcoran and Bruce Littlefield. If you are a television watcher, you may have seen Barbara Corcoran on Shark Tank. This is the story of how she progressed from waitress to selling her initial business for $66 million.