Due to changing technology I’m clearing my DVD inventory and have therefore decided to drastically reduce the prices on all my products. It’s a carnival of savings, I can tell you! If you’ve ever wanted to take your business (or your life) to the next level and make it more successful, here’s your chance. Get […]
Author Archive | Tom O'Toole
LET’S CELEBRATE
Life wasn’t meant to be a pain, it was meant to be a celebration. Celebrating Easter, or your birthday or any other special occasion also gives you the opportunity to say, “Thank you.” We have these little windows of opportunity: grab them! For when the window closes, it’s gone. Some business people say to me: […]
How to identify good customer service traits in people before you hire them
One question I often get asked is what to look for when hiring staff. What are the tell-tale signs of good customer service skills? When we’re looking for customer service people at Beechworth Bakery, we start by talking to them about casual things like the weather, sports, and current events. Get them relaxed. Make them feel […]
Fostering entrepreneurship in regional economies
As you would know, this is a topic close to my heart! So imagine my delight when my good friend Peter Kenyon put together a Q&A session with five famous and high achieving rural entrepreneurs (his words and mine; and, yes, I’m one of them :)) to discuss entrepreneurialism and its role in rebuilding the economic and […]
To raise or not to raise… prices that is
I often get asked about how best to go about raising prices. It’s a very touchy subject that many businesses find hard to tackle, wondering whether it’s better to have gradual, incremental increases or one large price hike. One of the biggest mistakes I have made is not acting quickly enough to increase prices when […]