We see small businesses going back to their roots in a couple of important ways in today’s Small Business Trends roundup. How are changes in the economy and in technology changing your small business strategies?
Out of the Past
Retro brands get new refit. Call it economic desperation or marketing genius. Some entrepreneurs are reviving old, defunct brands as a way to market new business ventures. What old brand do you think could use new life? WSJ
Return of the food truck. In small businesses sometimes strange things pass for innovation. Take deciding to launch a restaurant or a whole chain with a fleet of food trucks in place of brick and mortar locations. Bloomberg Businessweek
Tools & Approach
Got business cards? Well, if not, we’re giving some away. Check out our contest in partnership with business card company Moo. Get your company the exposure it needs the old-fashioned way. Small Business Trends
Attitude is everything. Forget gloomy economic predictions and depressing statistics. Small business success goes back to a very simple concept. Attitude is everything. A positive attitude and persistence will lead to success. MyCentralJersey.com
Retro Resources
Good old-fashioned small business loans? They may be back in style after all. After talk of new funding options like crowdsourcing, one large bank seems sincere about bringing back the quaint custom of small business lending. NashuaTelegraph.com
Back to basics bartering. An organization called The Edible Exchange in Scottsdale, AZ allows small business owners to barter their services for food from local growers. Read more about this new business-to-business food program. Phoenix New Times Blogs
Old Fashioned Values
Old-fashioned business virtues. One small business leader insists tried and true business concepts like the importance of the balance sheet are what most entrepreneurs should master. Business mentors, as well, are a valuable resource. The News Tribune
RetroShare returns privacy to conversations. Remember when intimate conversations had with colleagues, business partners, and customers weren’t instantly “shared” with everyone in your network? Here’s a new app you should see. PC World
The Customer is Always Right
Supporting business the old-fashioned way. The cash mob may be a new concept, but many insist it is still about supporting businesses the old fashioned way, through purchases. Businesses selected are those that give back to the community as well. What do you think? 89.3 KPCC
Customers are again in control. Technology has brought business full circle. With customers making purchase decisions in the store by comparing prices digitally, there are still opportunities for businesses that fill a void. Arizona Public Media
This is a very timely post. Everything is just going retro nowadays. From sunglasses and apparel to preferences in cars and a bunch of other things, retro seems to be the new trend. (I was surprised to see Aviator glasses and Wayfarers back on sale again at my local boutique, too.)