Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Franchise Verses Traditional Business Owner - Which is best?

Many people dream of opening their own business but they are unsure what avenue will be best for their personality, time and money. Is franchising or being a traditional business owner best?

You must weigh the benefits and costs of both and determine which best fits your needs, life style and personality.

Here are six areas you should consider.

Control
When you start your own business, you're in control of every detail, large and small. This can be a blessing and a curse.  With a franchise business, you control your franchise unit in terms of the culture and values you set, and who you hire and fire, but you must follow the franchisor's operating system.


Business Operating system
If you're the creative, innovative type, starting your own business is the way to go. Most franchised businesses provide a complete, out-of-the-box ready to use operating business system.


Brand Awareness
Building brand awareness takes time and money. The advantage for franchise owners is the brand has been established over years or decades. Customers seek out the reliability and familiarity of their favorite brands.

Commercial Business Locations- Sharp Realty, Birmingham AlMost Franchises have a set amount of money to spend on marketing or it is pooled together into a national marketing campaign. 

A single business owner must set aside money and/or time to do the marketing for the business. 


Equipment and supplies
Pros and Cons; Outfitting your new business with everything you need means researching what equipment to buy, finding suppliers, and negotiating deals. The pro is you can be creative and think outside the box.  The con is it can cost a lot of time and money with a small margin for error.

Franchisors can provide invaluable help in knowing both what and how much to buy - often at reduced prices and they have the styles picked out for you.


Training
You may be the best at what you do, but do you know how to manage a business, hire and train employees, market your product or service, keep the books, etc.? When you start your own business, you must learn all these things or hire someone who does.

Franchisors provide new franchisees with extensive training in every aspect of their new business.


Location
We have all heard, location, location, location!
As a small business owner you need the best location to attract the buying customers to your store front. Doing research and contacting an experienced Commercial Realtor who knows your area is all part of starting on your own. 

Commercial Business Locations- Sharp Realty, Birmingham Al


Most franchises have done all the research for you and they know where you should open your store front.

No matter what you decide, run your business with passion and determination to succeed!


Sharp Realty, LLC.
400 Union Hill Suite 300
Birmingham, Al. 35209
Phone: 205-879-1995






Thursday, March 13, 2014

Business is thriving in Washington Indiana, what is the secret?

The Cherry Tree Plaza is hot with activity of customers and retail stores thriving in this Washington, Indiana shopping complex.

The current businesses located in the plaza include Peebles Department Store, Jay C Foods, Orscheln Farm & Home, Trader Baker’s Flea Market, GNC, Radio Shack, Southern Wireless, Fiesta Salon, Hibbett Sports, Jimbo's Pizza & Wings and Great Wall Restaurant.

New stores added in 2013:
Smooth You Med Spa & Boutique
108 Cherry Tree Plaza
Washington, Indiana 47501
(812) 254-6810

About: Smooth You is a place where all your skincare needs can be met with our numerous products and specialized services. We are located in Cherry Tree Plaza in Washington, IN. Sharon Cullen, R.N. is the owner of Smooth You.

Visit them on Facebook.  

Smooth You Med Spa - Washington, IN - Sharp Realty

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Four Stars Books & Games
107 Cherry Tree Plaza
Washington, IN 47501
(812) 259-2035

About: We love entertainment! Video games (New & Retro), DVDs, Books, Electronics, Vinyl, Comics, and RPG Books and Dice! PC repair with FREE estimates! We Buy, Sell, and Trade!

Here at Four Star: Books And Games we pride ourselves in 4 STAR QUALITY REPAIRS at the lowest possible prices! Don’t throw your money away on a new system. Make your electronics last longer, and operate more efficiently! Let us keep your electronics like new, and keep more cash in your pocket!  
Four Star: Books And Games - because if it’s not the best, it just isn’t worth it!

Visit them on Facebook.

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EyeWorks
109 Cherry Tree Plaza
Washington,
Indiana 47501
(512) 254-1600
About: Glasses and Contacts in about one hour!
We are a full service optometric practice. We have 5 full time optometrists on staff along with 3 visiting Opthalmologists, one being a retinal specialist. We perform full eye health examinations, along with fitting glasses and all types of contact lenses. We have the largest inventory of the latest eyeglasses and contact lenses in the area. We also have a state of the art computerized optical lab to produce the finest eyeglasses for you in about one hour.

Visit them on Facebook. 


EyeWorks - Washington, IN - Sharp Realty




Expanded in 2013:
Anytime Fitness
101 Cherry Tree Plaza
Washington, Indiana 47501
(812) 254-2200

About: 24 Hour Fitness Club with Personal Training and Tanning available.
Visit them on Facebook.
Anytime Fitness - Washington,IN - Sharp Realty


How to be successful in small business in 2014?
One of most important things is having the right location for your business. Sharp Realty has been helping businesses find the best locations for over 20 years, let us help you!


Get your business in the right location!
Commercial Space available for lease in Washington, Indiana and other locations throughout the United States.
Management Team: Rhonda Lusco, 205-879-1995
Realtor to view the Plaza: Shelley Brinson, 512-254-5204

At Cherry Tree:
Suite 100 @ 2,000 sf
Suite 112 @ 910 sf
Suite 114 @ 5,425 sf
Suite 116 @ 1,200 sf


Sharp Realty, LLC.
400 Union Hill Suite 300
Birmingham, Al. 35209
Phone: 205-879-1995






The #1 Video Game And Electronic Store In Daviess County!
Your One Stop Entertainment Shop!





Tuesday, February 4, 2014

3 Basics of Business Branding for Small Business Today

Time spent marketing your business can be very overwhelming.  By learning these few basic branding steps you will be able to save time and easily drive new customers to your business.

Consistency: Make sure your branding is consistent throughout all your print ads, commercials, social media campaigns, and online presence. Consistent brand recognition is key in marketing and top of mind awareness.  
Sharp Realty | Commercial Real Estate
Simplicity: Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS).  It's a funny saying but oh so true. Be persistent in finding and targeting your niche.  Keep the look and message simple.
Sincerity: It's not enough to have a Facebook page or a Twitter account; you must participate in the conversation by making regular posts and replying to direct messages from your customers.
Monitor your brand's reputation, and be ready to respond.  "Google Alerts" allow users to track select keywords and receive e-mail updates whenever they are mentioned on the Web.

By taking these few steps early and staying consistent you will become better at marketing your business.


Store Front


Sharp Realty, LLC | Commercial Real Estate 
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 | Birmingham, Al. 35209
205-879-1995  |  www.sharprealty.com


Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Prepare For These Four Realities When Starting A New Business

There is nothing more exciting than the thought of owning your own business, being your own boss, and having your brand or name on merchandise.  

However, the excitement can turn to distress if you have not considered these four subjects when you start your new business.

1. Financial: There are many start-up costs associated with opening a new business.  

There are often hidden costs or fees that will come up when starting the business such as licensing, cost of maintaining a building, merchandise stock, marketing, staff, insurance, accountant and much more. 

Multiply your budgeted start-up costs by 3 or 4 to maintain a financial comfort zone.


2. Marketing: Create an annual Marketing Plan.  The adage "build it and they will come" only happens in movies! Opening a business with a sign outside does not guarantee people will shop your business.  

You should have a annual marketing plan and budget for the entire year.  Marketing is not a once a year event.

Also, successful marketing requires professionals.  Don't leave have your collage age child do your social media marketing just because they are good at using social media to communicate with friends.

Sharp Realty - Commercial  Real Estate


3. Long Hours: The fantasy of working whenever hours you want is exactly that, a fantasy!  As a business owner you will work more hours than you ever in your life.  

Being a business owner means you are never far from your business, even while on vacation if you are lucky enough to get a vacation.



4. No or Little Income The First Few Years: Most new businesses do not turn a profit for several year.


Take these considerations and be realistic when planning your new business.  There are many successful business owners in your area.  Talk to them and ask what helped make their business a success.




Presented by Sharp Realty
 
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300  Birmingham, Al. 35209
205-879-1995
www.sharprealty.com

Leasing Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.


Other topic:
4 Time Management Tips for Small Business Owners
6 Smart Tips for Leasing Commercial Real Estate.

Monday, December 9, 2013

4 Easy Ways to Go Green in Business and Save Money in 2015

Business owners seek ways to cut cost constantly but can they help the environment at the same time?  Yes, below are 4 easy ways to Go Green in business and save money in 2015.

    1. Stop printing and using paper.
Start 2015 by implementing a policy of storing information on the company server or a secure cloud server. Use paper file only as needed. By stopping printing you save ink, paper, storage space and most of the environment. 



Go Green in Business - Sharp Realty


    2. Use LED lights.
LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are a form of solid-state lighting that is extremely efficient and long-lasting. LEDs that are EnergyStar-qualified should provide stable light output over their projected lifetime.

    3. Power off computer and laptops.
    When not in use power off any electronics in the office. Computers and monitors account for half the electricity used in an office and energy is being wasted every day, even by "energy saving" hardware. With every workstation on standby mode, the electricity meter continues to tick over at an alarming rate. 
Laptop_Sharp_Realty
    
    4. Use other transportation or hybrid vehicles.
   Convert your company vehicles to a hybrid vehicle or alternative transportation such as biking.

Keep your goal of ways to go green in your business, it will pay off for you and the environment.

Blog Content and photos: Sharp Realty

Sharp Realty
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300  Birmingham, Al. 35209
205-879-1995www.sharprealty.com


Leasing Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.
Other topic:
Why Business Retailers should Embrace Social Media? 

6 Smart Tips for Leasing Commercial Real Estate.

5 Ways to Reduce Cost the First Few Years of Operating a Retail Business 

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Make a Good Impression: 5 Ways To Spruce Up the Office

You never get a second chance to make a good impression.  What do people think when they first visit your office?  Here are 5 easy things you can do to spruce up your office to make a great first impression.

Sharp Realty | Birmingham, Alabama1. Clean:  A clean office makes everyone happy. Make sure that the office gets cleaned inside and outside each week. You may not notice but trust me, the public does and it can cost your business more money than a cleaning service.

2. Organize:  When a potential client walks in to a desk piled up with files and papers it is not casting your skills in the best light. A fast way to solve this is simply put them in a drawer or out of sight until later.

Art in Office - Sharp Realty3. Plants:  Having a nice fresh arrangement of flowers or plants in the lobby, main office or bathroom can not only help clean the air but can help distress the office.

4. Art:  Art lends to class and gives the potential client something to focus on while they are waiting, showcase local artists by using a painting, photography, sculpture, or water treatment.


5. Music: Depending on your office setting, relaxing music can help calm.  It also defuses conversations in the office.

Tell us how you feel about this subject.

Blog by: Sharp Realty
Commercial Real Estate Office and retail location space for lease throughout the United States. Contact us for details.

Sharp Realty
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209
205-879-1995



Monday, October 21, 2013

How being organized in a multi-tasking world ensures business success?


We are all multi-tasking, running businesses and our lives.  Although at times, it may feel like they are running us. One sure way to stay on top of it all is to have a system for organization.  Below are a few tips to stay organized for success.

1.   Touch things only once:  So much time is wasted by touching things over and over again. How many times have you opened a file or mail and moved it from one pile to another in your office? Doing this is a big time waster and leads to clutter in the business.  When you start something, complete it and put it where it belongs immediately.


2.   Schedule your day:  At the start each day make a schedule for your day’s activities.  This will help you stay on track and have a more productive and successful day.  Add fun time in your schedule.  A walk outside for ten minutes each day can help clear and open your mind.

3.   Give yourself a time line: Putting a time stamp on our daily activities helps you focus and stay on point.  When you have a start time, and more importantly an end time, you are more likely to complete tasks rather than putting them off until later. Later never comes!


4.   Organize your messages: Plan a time to respond to emails, phone messages, text and social media.  If it is not an emergency, have a set time to handle all of the above. Do not feel you have to respond immediately to everything. This disturbs your train of thought and waste time in the day.

Sharp Realty Birmingham Al
   
  
5.  
Designate a place for things in your business:  Do you at times feel overwhelmed when you see piles of things that need to be done?  Have a designated place for everything. This helps by keeping things clean, organized and you can find things when you need them.
 

Following all or a few of these tips will make our days more productive and successful.  Please share your tips of organization with us below. Blog by Sharp Realty, Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.

 

 

Sharp Realty
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al. 35209
205-879-1995
www.sharprealty.com
Leasing Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.