Small Business Management Case Study: "Merry Maids"
This clip profiles a "Merry Maids" franchise in the home cleaning industry. The owner of the franchise does most of the staffing and controlling herself, although she relies on a Merry Maids software program for help with long-term planning.
Credit Purchases
Learn just how prevalent credit has become in retailing and how in today's business world, credit is no longer just a customer convenience, it increases sales and provides additional income.
Credit
This clip argues that, since a company's ability to collect its accounts receivable has a direct impact on its cash flow, it's important to establish clear guidelines for payment before extending credit to customers. The clip also looks at establish...
Customer Service
This clip explains that achieving a high level of customer satisfaction often depends on providing the best customer service possible.
Goals, Plans and Strategies
This clip talks about the importance of creating a business plan that clearly and realistically outlines goals and strategies for a new company.
Federal Trade Commission, The
This clip looks at the role of the Federal Trade Commission in monitoring and regulating pricing, as well as labeling, marketing, and advertising. The clip notes that the FTC is also involved in regulating warranties.
Figuring Out What the Customer Wants
This clip considers the importance of knowing what potential customers want. While there are a variety of market research tools that provide this kind of information, often the best way to find out what customers want is simply by asking them.
Balance and Satisfaction
This clip talks about the value of maintaining balance in ones' life, even while putting tremendous energy into running a small business. It also looks at the importance of being flexible and open to change.
Risk and Self-Doubt
This clip looks at the financial risk most entrepreneurs assume when they start their new business, and the self-doubt that can crop up at any point.
Marketing, Taxes, Employees and Ethics
This clip notes that one of the greatest challenges in operating a small business is maintaining one's ethical moorings while, at the same time, performing essential business functions, such as promoting, advertising, paying taxes and dealing with e...