Are your customers' shopping carts missing that extra bit of sparkle? Welcome to the world of impulse buying! In this riveting episode, I, your Big Small Expert, unveil the intricate psychology behind this phenomenon and how it can boost your small business sales, especially during the holiday season. Discover the three main drivers that spur customers to spontaneous purchases - value, urgency, and novelty - and learn how to arrange your store to ignite this impulse. With strategies like setting up a dedicated impulse section or offering limited-time deals, you're in for a treat as we dive into this goldmine.

Now, let's unravel some more secrets. The art of impulse shopping is not just about placing items strategically. It's also about creating an appealing, convenient shopping experience that leaves an indelible imprint on your customer's mind. From choosing the right price points to selling delectable food and drinks, we traverse a plethora of tactics that can increase impulse purchases. The power of related products, practical items at the cash register, and the provision of baskets - each step intricately woven to captivate your customer in the spell of impulse shopping. If you're ready to revolutionize your business, tune in for this whirlwind journey through the world of impulse shopping.

Thanks for listening! Find even more tips and tricks on how to make your small business a success HERE. Don't keep all this incredibly helpful info to yourself, subscribe to this podcast and share The Big Small Expert with your small business friends.

Want to be part of an upcoming podcast episode? Email The Big Small Expert to submit your questions to our Big Small Expert, Melissa Palermo at Bigsmallexpert@gmail.com

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the maze of insurance options for your small business? Take a deep breath, we've got you covered. On this edition of the Big Small Expert podcast, we bring on board Chelsea, an insurance aficionado with a wealth of experience to demystify the world of insurance for small businesses. From commercial property insurance to liability and cyber liability insurance, we leave no stone unturned. We underscore the importance of regular risk assessments and the need for personalized advice from your insurance agency.

Home-based businesses, we've got you in our sights too. We dive right into the heart of insurance matters, because understanding your insurance needs is not a luxury but a necessity. You'll learn about coverage options, from actual cash value to replacement value, and why your insurance agent should be your new best friend. As we navigate the tricky waters of using personal vehicles for business purposes, Chelsea enlightens us about commercial policies and the often overlooked but important hired or non-owned auto endorsements.

And as they say, failing to plan is planning to fail. That's why we round up the episode with crucial planning tips and common pitfalls to avoid. We discuss a range of insurance types - car, life, and business - and stress the importance of regular reviews and updates. From understanding deductibles to planning for natural disasters and reevaluating your coverage after a claim, we'll help you prepare for the unexpected. So go ahead, tune in and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to protect your small business. With us, insurance doesn't have to make your brain go numb.

Thanks for listening! Find even more tips and tricks on how to make your small business a success HERE. Don't keep all this incredibly helpful info to yourself, subscribe to this podcast and share The Big Small Expert with your small business friends.

Want to be part of an upcoming podcast episode? Email The Big Small Expert to submit your questions to our Big Small Expert, Melissa Palermo at Bigsmallexpert@gmail.com

Do you want to take your small business to the next level this holiday season? Your ticket to maximizing holiday sales is right here! I'm your host, Melissa Palermo, and I'm here to guide you through the bustling holiday period with some expert tips. From streamlining your inventory to smart clearance sales tactics, we'll tackle it all. You'll learn how to reduce unnecessary choices for customers, clear out underperforming stock, and stay ahead of the curve with current market trends. Don't let this festive season pass by without making the most of it for your small business!

We also dive deep into promotional strategies, discussing how to cleverly discount items and offer special promotions like the "12 Days of Christmas." We'll explore the importance of attractive packaging and how to avoid the pitfalls of damaged or outdated stock. Be prepared to engage with your customers creatively and provide an unforgettable shopping experience by going the extra mile. So get comfortable, take notes, and let's supercharge your holiday sales strategy together! Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your small business and make this holiday season your most profitable yet!

Thanks for listening! Find even more tips and tricks on how to make your small business a success HERE. Don't keep all this incredibly helpful info to yourself, subscribe to this podcast and share The Big Small Expert with your small business friends.

Want to be part of an upcoming podcast episode? Email The Big Small Expert to submit your questions to our Big Small Expert, Melissa Palermo at Bigsmallexpert@gmail.com

Struggling to push your small business forward? Don't worry, we've got you covered. This insightful episode is a treasure trove of strategies and tips to overcome the barriers to small business growth. We start with the basics, emphasizing the importance of hiring the right people, delegating tasks to free up your time to work on your business, and having a strategic plan to propel your business forward.

Running a small business is no smooth sailing, and we acknowledge the rough seas of cash flow problems and unclear expenses. We unfold strategies for better cash flow management, identifying expenses, and even consider the potential of using a mileage credit card to pay off outstanding invoices. Also, we address the need to stay current with industry trends and adjusting your marketing budget accordingly.

Finally, we leave no stone unturned as we dive into the changing needs of customers and how to stay competitive. We discuss fostering a personal connection with customers, even in an online space, to build positive customer relationships. Plus, we also share tips on setting achievable goals for small business growth. This episode is brimming with insights that could be just the push your small business needs. So, don't wait, tune in! Don't just survive, thrive!

Thanks for listening! Find even more tips and tricks on how to make your small business a success HERE. Don't keep all this incredibly helpful info to yourself, subscribe to this podcast and share The Big Small Expert with your small business friends.

Want to be part of an upcoming podcast episode? Email The Big Small Expert to submit your questions to our Big Small Expert, Melissa Palermo at Bigsmallexpert@gmail.com

Are you tired of experiencing stagnant growth in your local business? In our chat with seasoned retail veteran Melissa Palermo, we crack open the vault of her 20-year experience, offering you invaluable insights and strategies to help you scale your business. She underscores the power of understanding your target market, the art of pricing, and the potency of effective marketing techniques in attracting the right customers. Melissa also dissects why charging credit card fees might be hurting your business more than you realize.

We also dive into the controversial trend of charging for plastic bags, with Melissa sharing her firm stance on why she deems it unnecessary. From the subtle dynamics of merchant services fees to the contentious issue of businesses offering discounts for cash payments, she leaves no stone unturned. As we journey together through the intricacies of maximizing sales, increasing productivity, and meeting business goals, Melissa offers you a lifeline in the choppy waters of the business landscape. Whether you're a newbie or veteran in the retail sector, this episode is a goldmine of practical advice that can catapult your business to unprecedented heights.

Thanks for listening! Find even more tips and tricks on how to make your small business a success HERE. Don't keep all this incredibly helpful info to yourself, subscribe to this podcast and share The Big Small Expert with your small business friends.

Want to be part of an upcoming podcast episode? Email The Big Small Expert to submit your questions to our Big Small Expert, Melissa Palermo at Bigsmallexpert@gmail.com

From humble beginnings selling comic books out of a spare room to owning a thriving brick-and-mortar store, Ralph Watts, the soul behind Comics and Paperbacks Plus, shares his fascinating entrepreneurial journey with us. Ever wondered how to kickstart your small business? Ralph emphasizes the value of starting small, making measured leaps and understanding your market to pave the way to success.

In an era dominated by digital, our conversation with Ralph uncovers the intricacies of navigating a retail business. He shares insider tips on how to keep your customers coming back for more and the art of offering unique products. Ralph's experience during the pandemic, where he leveraged standing order customers and built genuine relationships, resulting in soaring mail order revenues, is a lesson in resilience and innovation.

Wrapping up our enlightening chat, Ralph imparts pearls of wisdom from his entrepreneurial journey. His philosophy of embracing risk, surrounding himself with the right people, and treating people with decency, offers invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. As we bid adieu, we touch upon the power of tools like Facebook. So, want to get a head start on your business dreams? Sit back and get inspired by Ralph's journey of running a successful business for over three decades.

Thanks for listening! Find even more tips and tricks on how to make your small business a success HERE. Don't keep all this incredibly helpful info to yourself, subscribe to this podcast and share The Big Small Expert with your small business friends.

Want to be part of an upcoming podcast episode? Email The Big Small Expert to submit your questions to our Big Small Expert, Melissa Palermo at Bigsmallexpert@gmail.com

Have you ever wondered why Facebook marketing is an absolute game-changer for small businesses? This power-packed episode will decode exactly how you can unlock its potential. I'll be launching into the demographics of Facebook and Instagram, and the importance of knowing your target market. Get ready to learn the art of establishing a successful business page and the role your friends and family play in amplifying your reach.

Hold onto your seats as we break down the nuts and bolts of effective Facebook marketing. I cultivate a deeper understanding of creating meaningful and engaging content—from static posts peppered with dynamic elements such as short videos and live broadcasts, to interactive customer polls. This episode is your toolkit to make your small business shine on Facebook!

Thanks for listening! Find even more tips and tricks on how to make your small business a success HERE. Don't keep all this incredibly helpful info to yourself, subscribe to this podcast and share The Big Small Expert with your small business friends.

Want to be part of an upcoming podcast episode? Email The Big Small Expert to submit your questions to our Big Small Expert, Melissa Palermo at Bigsmallexpert@gmail.com

Are you ready to master the art of inventory management for your small business? This episode is your comprehensive guide. I discuss the significance of having an assortment plan - a strategic approach that ensures you always have the right product, at the right quantity, at the right time for your customers. Using a POS (point of sale system), I show you how to use reports and develop a smart buying plan. I also delve into the art of categorizing inventory based on customer buying habits, not just the brands you carry. Here is a reminder: don't fall head over heels with your inventory. The ultimate goal is to offer what your customers want to purchase, not just what you love to sell.

But the power of inventory management doesn't stop there. It's all about making data-driven decisions. I guide you on how to identify your top-selling products and when it's time to let go of those that aren't moving. This episode is a treasure trove of valuable insights for anyone passionate about retail and keen on optimizing their inventory management. So tune in, let's transform your retail business together!

Thanks for listening! Find even more tips and tricks on how to make your small business a success HERE. Don't keep all this incredibly helpful info to yourself, subscribe to this podcast and share The Big Small Expert with your small business friends.

Want to be part of an upcoming podcast episode? Email The Big Small Expert to submit your questions to our Big Small Expert, Melissa Palermo at Bigsmallexpert@gmail.com