Knowing your own business is one thing, but do you know your market? I don't mean produce and dry goods!  Let me ask again...DO YOU KNOW YOUR MARKET? 

Seriously though, this is a very basic question, but it's severely important. Not knowing your market (the people in it, buying trends, buying cycles, competition, industry innovations, etc) may hinder your desired outcome. Say it with us, "desired outcome is to make MONEY!" 
It's okay, you can say it a few more times if you like. No one will know. 

The success of your business is dependent upon a multitude of elements and variables, but if market research is a misstep in your projections and planning to move your business forward, you may be missing out on your piece of the pie or the pie all together. 




Contact us today for a free business needs assessment! 
www.rspbusinesssolutions.com | It’s about your business. 


by Linda Leal - linda@rspbusinesssolutions.com

Business consulting seems grueling, right? Looking at yourself or your business is always the hardest look to give. Our highly equipped consultants are ready to begin the analysis process. But, first let's look at 3 simple rules. 

RSP Business Solutions makes it easy by applying the rule of 3. It may seem like elementary, but looking at your business is just like counting. Follow along, it's as easy as 1 - 2 - 3! 

Number 1 - Your Customer
Who is your business? Yes, you read that correctly. By asking "who" we are getting you to think of your customer. Who is your customer?
For many, the default answer is simple, "buyers"! Although, we intend to have buyers, we also need to apply the science of demographic filtering and qualifying your prospective buyers. Understanding this science may help you sift out what is "not working". 


Number 2 - Your Product or Service
So, what do you do? This is not a pick up line, but a very important question. What is your product or service? What makes your product or service different? As a business, if you build it, make it, do it, then they will come, right?  This would be a splendid utopian wonder.  If it were that easy, we would all be millionaires the very first time we had a lemonade stand, washed cars, or sold our baseball cards. Knowing your product or service takes an in depth look at what you are providing and if there is a need in the market. Are you relevant? What will you charge for what you do? Rule number 1 must meet rule number 2. Now on to 3. 


Number 3 - Your Landscape
If you build a snow cone stand in a sub zero climate, will you bring in the big bucks?  Know your area. Know who is in your area. Know what your competitors do in your area. Now let's look back at you. Do you fit in? Are you providing something everyone else is? If it is different, is it a good different or a non-responsive different? Benchmarking your competitive landscape is not only your "you are here" arrow, but a place to understand where you need to be... 2 steps ahead of the game. 




Contact us today for a free business needs assessment! 
www.rspbusinesssolutions.com | It’s about your business. 


by Linda Leal - linda@rspbusinesssolutions.com

People ask us all of the time, “what is that little square code and what does it do?” 
Well… about 5 years ago or so, these bar codes started to enter the market of advertising, but before then they were a scanning tool to track inventory of sectors within the auto industry and other widget based “scan to count” systems.  Because this square shaped code was not trademarked or copyrighted, the QR Code leaked out into the mainstream market. 

Why is it named QR Code? Different people have applied different meanings or acronyms for it. Some call it the “Quick Response” code, others may call it the “Quick Reference” code. Either way, it’s a tool to take you somewhere else. It’s a point of destination.  It can be used to scan with your smartphone to link you to a website, a webpage, blog (like this one), a multimedia message, a YouTube video, a Facebook page, a Twitter page, a coupon, an article, a text message, an audio file,  a fact sheet, and more…. Yes, even a product inventory database. 

What we see often is the misuse of this little bitty “scan me” square code. 
When we see a TV commercial and they post up a QR code, please ask yourself, “did they really expect people to run up to the television to scan a QR Code with their smart phones?” Or, we see this waaaaaaaay too many times… when a QR Code is posted on a website asking people to scan it to take you to, you've guessed it… THE SAME WEBSITE!  When we see this, we just want to call the business owner directly to ask them, “Who is responsible for representing your online identity?” We've done it before and we will probably do it again. This is a clear example as to how not to use a QR Code. 

Printed marketing collateral like business cards, flyers, banners, coupons, mailers, etc. are best to apply this QR code to, because then you are directing your potential customer to the next place to learn more about you and why they should choose you when they are ready to buy.

Contact us today to provide you with a one-on-one consultation on how to grow your business, one customer at a time! www.rspbusinesssolutions.com | RSP | It’s about your business. 



by Linda Leal - linda@rspbusinesssolutions.com 

You’re going to have to make these things happen.

1)      Evaluate your current revenue stream and then take a moment to discover new ones.  If your business has multiple products and services, you may want to enhance your earning potential by expanding on your current base.

2)      Work on your website.  If you don’t have one, we can help. Websites often take quite a bit of time to develop, so if you don’t know how to fully develop an effective website or don’t have the creativity or time, Contact us! We’ll always make time for you!

3)      Let’s look at your customer service.  Is there something that you can add to your service? Is there an opportunity for improvement?   Take the time to look at your customer reviews and you will see what you need to do.

4)      Make a plan for your marketing.  Google, Apple, McDonald’s and Starbucks still spend on marketing their business every single second of the day. No one should “sit it out” when it comes to marketing. Look at your budget or allocate your budget.  Consider affordable options that will provide more bang for your buck!  Suggestion: Digital media is a relevant, cost effective option.

5)      We can never stop learning. With that being said, learn a new skill or provide a new service. Maybe you want to have a stronger handle on your accounting software or you would like to learn more about managing your inventory.  Wherever your focus may be, make it fun to learn something new.

6)      Review your sales, accounts, expenses, and payroll. Get organized early for tax season.  Learn about our Digital POS Systems. This may be your digital organizer all in one.

7)      Take time to find your center.  It’s easy to get lost in your business.  Try to find yourself again, if even for a short period of time. You may need this time to regroup and restrategize. 

8)      Stay positive.  Try not to let slow business periods bring you down. Take this time to stay busy with future planning. Do not be idle… stay focused and busy.

9)      Keep it clean! Clean up your workspace and find a Zen like feel for your operation. Clean your desk, counter, keyboard, register, or supply closet.  De-cluttering can also apply to your thoughts that may be hindering your business.

10)   Show off a bit. Let your family and friends know about your business. Let them know about what keeps you so busy.  Let them know about any upcoming changes and new ideas.  Solidify your base support network.

by Linda Leal - linda@rspbusinesssolutions.com