Keeping up with industry news and trends is essential in running any type of business. Online resources such as LinkedIn are a great way to hear the latest buzz and connect with others in your trade, but don’t forget about traditional trade associations. In addition to connecting you with other professionals in your industry, these organizations can help you stay abreast of relevant news and policy, and sometimes offer discounts on relevant goods and services.
As the owner of a company operating in two separate industries, I belong to organizations in both. The American Moving and Storage Association keeps me connected to the relocation world, and the Professional Insurance Association provides insight into the latest news and policy in insurance.
How do you use trade associations to improve your business? What tools do you use to network with other industry professionals?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Embracing Changes in Tough Times
Two weeks ago, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke predicted confidently that “we will see growth in the third quarter continuing and that growth will continue into 2010.” Indeed, The Wall Street Journal reports the pace of job losses in the U.S. continues to slow, but what does this mean for individual industries?
While sectors heavily rooted in intellectual capital (such as technology) have been showing signs of bouncing back, companies where operating costs are much higher could take longer to recover. This month, we highlight two forward-thinking companies who have benefited from embracing change.
Inside Self-Storage reports that industry veterans Dan Kasman and Michael Gyory of New York have gone green with their latest venture with the opening of Thornwood Self Storage Center. From the re-purposing of the former warehouse structure to its energy-saving features, the new facility aims to attract the ever-growing group of eco-minded consumers who are looking for green alternatives in all facets of their lives.
Advantage Storage of Texas continues to grow by catering specifically to upscale clients. As reported by Collin County Business Press, the company’s new multi-story Craig Ranch facility blends in with the architectural style of its surrounding homes and country clubs, complete with stucco and stone construction. Advantage also specializes in corporate customers, offering a shipment receiving service, flexible space, and month-to month leases.
While both examples above come from self-storage, niche markets are proving to work in tough times for all sorts of companies within the relocation industry and beyond. While not necessarily the answer for all businesses, at the very least we hope this article has you thinking about who your customers are, and what you can offer them to better suit their needs. Who knows, you may just stumble across a new business idea!
We want to hear your success stories. In what ways have you been creative to keep business thriving?
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