A Potpourri of Advice from Business Owners
As the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) marked 20 years of service to entrepreneurs in Wisconsin, it asked the business owners its staff has worked with to share their best "success" tips. Hundreds of owners and managers responded. They sent words of advice that came from months, years or decades of nurturing an enterprise. These included exhortations to work hard, to be patient, and to treat others fairly. Here's a sampling from the owners themselves: "Hang in there and stick by your dreams." Donna Kramolis, Life Enhancement' Ashland ., "Don't be afraid to ask questions, lots' of them. Then apply what you've learned." Foley Quinn, Northern Edge Products Spooner "Attitude --and a little help from the Superior SBDC -mean everything!" Marge Retzlaff, Payroll's Us, LLC Catawba " Always give the customer value for his or her dollar with a professional and respectful service." Michelle Swanson, Sign-Banners & Computer Graphics Poplar "Work smart and watch the check book." JeffDahl & Matt Paulson, The Superior Fly Angler Superior "Be truthful as to what you have to offer and people will be more inclined to try your service." Marvin & Janet Rivard, Rivard's Bashaw Lake Resort Shell Lake "Getting started is always the hardest, but with a little luck and a lot of time you will be very successful." Dave Ante, Dave's Landscaping & Snow Removal Ashland " Build your business on the sale of quality products with a meaningful way of showing your gratitude to customers." Marv & Elaine Schaefer, Schaefer Apiaries Shell Lake
"Be prepared to put your personal needs last and to work seven days a week - 12hours a day. With that there are no guarantees." , Rod & Gen Neff, Graphmark Inc. Superior "Keep good records and keep up certification standards. Computers and Internet have changed everything." Virginia Riley, Certified Social Worker Park Falls "Expect to be in business for the long haul. You don't get rich overnight in small business." David Skinnes, Wildwood Innovations Inc. Ashland "Your customers are the most important part of any business. Quality products -quality service." Dan & Connie Loden, Hurley Coffee Company Hurley "Publish a newsletter and inform the public of your services." Jim Shattuck, Stay In Touch Massage Trego "Return calls as soon as possible -within that day! Show up 10 minutes early or call to let them know you're running late!" Ken Bluse, Oakwood Landscapes Spooner "Never give up! It takes time and patience to build a successful small business. Give yourself five years and plan to dedicate 95 per cent of your time to it those first five years. Don't give up on your dream." Carol Moravchik, CMN Doll Shop Ashland "Deposit all income, disburse only by check. All other accounting needs will fall into place." Dale Schleeter, Roscoe Butterfield Well & Pump Hayward "Take advantage of all the available advice from the SBDC; it can make or break you!" Pete Kozak, Shoreline Designs Hayward
"Pay attention to details, never rest on your laurels. And give all clients the highest quality of service." Roger Hansen, R. W. Hansen & Associates Ashland *** This information is compiled by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). If you would like more information about the SBDC at UW-Superior, please call (715) 394-8351.