CATEGORIES

YOU'LL ONLY FIND THIS HERE

When a local, independent business becomes known for something special - a product or service, or even just a unique vibe customers love knowing they're getting a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Here, seven mom-and-pops around the country share what helps them stand out.

'People Don't Buy What They Don't Know'

This snack brand was failing. Then its founder discovered the problem: He wasn't speaking his customers' language.

Your Small Business Is About to Get Bigger

That's what this issue is all about. Read on!

MAKING PEOPLE COMFORTABLE DOESN'T HAVE TO COST A FORTUNE

Just ask the couple who built a basically unmarked bar that, within three years, has become one of the most beloved mom-and-pop shops in the country.

When It's Time to Go All In

Do you have a side hustle? Do you want to make it a full-time hustle, and escape your 9-to-5 job? Blavity founder Morgan DeBaun has some advice: Do it carefully, but steadily.

If at First You Don't Get Clients...

Try, try again? That's the lesson of Facet, an innovative financial planning startup that tried everything to get its first customers.

HOW DAVID BEATS OUT GOLIATH

Can mom-and-pop shops truly compete against big-box behemoths and e-commerce giants? Yes, experts say - but they have to think and act truly local.

MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER

For small, independent businesses, loyal patrons are benefactors, protectors, muses, and mascots. They make sure the show goes on. Here, three business owners celebrate an irreplaceable member of their community.

How to Pick the Perfect Franchise For You

There are a lot of great brands out there. But that doesn't mean they're all a great fit.

Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.

Here are five reasons why franchise ownership could be the right fit for you.

He Does $10 Million-Plus in Sales

When Jeffrey Bell gave up horse training to buy a Floor Coverings International franchise, he wanted to get out ahead of his new pack. To do that, he had to learn to delegate.

MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT

There's no one way to market a small business. So how do you get the word out? Experts say you must experiment...and really stick with it.

Do You Say 'Yes' Enough?

We don't give ourselves enough credit for trying. So let's start doing it right now.

How This Business Rookie Became a Top Seller

After competing in two Olympics, Cammile Adams dove headfirst into her second career - and became SafeSplash Swim School's #1 franchisee. Here's how.

Adding Value to Listings & the Advantage of Identifying Neighborhood Amenities

Walking a fifteen-minute radius of the area or performing a deep-dive into customer review sites or food blogs can help you identify hidden gems or local favorites.

Modern Email Etiquette for Today's Agents

In today’s tech-forward culture, consumers are constantly inundated with promotional emails, alerts, invites, and social media blasts.

SHANE REID

Shane Reid of Hudson, Ohio, has grounded his twenty-seven-year real estate career in tried-and-true business practices that combine candor, communication, and work ethic.

MILES ZIMBALUK

Meet Miles Zimbaluk, a pioneer in the real estate world whose journey began in financial planning, evolved through mortgage brokerage and new construction development, and culminated in a thriving career traversing two countries.

FRANDY CHERESTAL

Meet Montreal Broker Frandy Cherestal, whose real estate journey commenced seventeen years ago while working as a trainer at a gym.

Cooperation, Not Competition, Creates Mutual Success for Agents

Teaming up with an agent from a different brokerage on a transaction is not as uncommon or complicated as it might seem

5 Ways to Transform Renters into Owners

Perhaps the largest demographic of untapped business lies in the rental market.

Beyond Cleaning and Decluttering: What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

Decluttering open spaces, emptying cabinets and drawers and removing knick-knacks might seem like obvious – and free – ways to improve a home’s presentability.

CLEVE LOVELAND

Cleve Loveland of Orlando, Florida, combines over thirty years of industry expertise with client-centered business practices and a commitment to shared success to fuel his thriving real estate business.

BECKY PARTIN

The word “resilient” aptly describes Becky Partin, REALTOR® and now owner of her own brokerage in the heart of Savannah.

Reconsider Referral-Only When Planning for the Future

Many agents plan for the idea that working only on referral may not be sufficient during slower times of the year, in a down market, or when an agent needs to expanding into a new sector.

Millennial Buyers: Where They Are & What to Know

Homebuyers and sellers come from all walks of life. If you’ve been an agent for long, you’ve likely worked alongside a wide variety of folks—from first-timer homeowners and down-sizers, to second-home searchers and those finally hunting for their dream home. While there is hardly a shortage of diversity in the housing market, there is one generation that is making big strides in homeownership these days: Millennials.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Converting Internet Leads to Real Life Sales

Mastering the fundamentals of digital communication is the first step to converting digital interest into concrete business.

USING CLIENT FEEDBACK TO ELEVATE YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS

For real estate professionals, publishing your client testimonials is a key strategy for establishing trust, enhancing your reputation, and drawing in new clients.

Establishing Yourself as a LOCAL AREA EXPERT

For real estate agents and local business professionals, carving out a reputation as a go-to local expert is invaluable. Below are tailored strategies for real estate professionals eager to become their community’s trusted authority.

10 WAYS TO BECOME A CELEBRITY REALTOR ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Establishing yourself as a well-known REALTOR on social media requires developing a solid personal brand, producing captivating content, and engaging with your audience. Here are some steps to help you achieve that: