Small Business: Industry: Travel & hospitality
Some clients aren't worth the headaches. Advance vetting and precautions can spare you the pain.
Chris Walker, Phoenix
I started a concierge service on a tight budget. I am not looking to conquer the world in a day. I would like to attract the "right" customer and grow the business within my means. What would be the best methods to find that "right" customer?
Ricky, Orlando, Fla.
I am looking to buy an out-of-state business. The company currently handles hotels and transportation bookings for airline crews and a few corporations. I would like to open an office in my hometown and focus on the film industry and engineering companies who have extended stays in many cities. How can I expand the category of business? What should I expect with this challenge?
Ricky, Los Angeles
I'm buying a hotel booking company, and I understand the importance of advertising. How do I advertise on the Web? I would like to target companies only in certain fields.
Tim is trying to sell his healthy snacks to airlines. Have any other suggestions as to how he can do this?
Have you recently considered purchasing a business? How did you evaluate it? Share your experiences here.
Reader Nancy asked FSB about deducting travel expenses. How do you deduct your travel expenses? Share your advice.
A boutique travel-agency planner seeks ideas for building site traffic. What do you recommend?
FSB recommends blog software applications that are popular with small businesses. Seasoned bloggers: what are we missing?
FSB suggests taking it slow to find out. If you've had successes or failures making your business a franchise, talk about it here.
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