er been accustomed to working with at one time. I decided to date and list the requests and any associated information in a spiral notebook. Once an issue was resolved, I would draw a line through that request and move on to the next. I kept the notebooks for easy referral.

One of my clients recently complained that she was having difficulty remembering to track her mileage. After reviewing several options, she decided to keep a small notebook in her car to record her mileage. The secret of her success was to not only leave the book in

If I hear the expression "Think Outside the Box" one more time, I think I will explode. When faced with this challenge, where do you go from there? Below are five outside-the-box practical business tips.

1) Barter your services in exchange for assistance with your business. I know a businesswoman who is the queen of bartering. She develops mutually beneficial arrangements to swap services for both her business and personal needs. She has even worked out a way to provide services in exchange for getting her hair washed and styled and her nails manicured. This way, she ensures that she can remain attractive to her audience. You will be surprised at what satisfying deals can be struck by using your imagination. A word of caution - always assess whether the agreed upon terms merit a written contract to protect all involved parties.

2) Subcontract with other vendors. While this is not a new concept, business owners tend to overlook or shy away from this method of increasing sales and exposure. We are afraid that we may lose business to a competitor. But what if you are vying for an account whose needs exceed your capacity to supply?

For example, two small employment firms may want to share job orders using some discretion. An increased applicant pool enhances the possibility of providing a client with desirable candidates. The key is to carefully assess the benefits and disadvantages of entering into the arrangement. If both parties decide to move forward with collaboration, a well-crafted non-compete agreement should resolve any potential problems.

3) Sponsor or co-sponsor an event. This is an excellent advertising technique that does not always have to result in a major expense. In addition to financial support, a community event may need a service you can readily supply at little or reduced cost. Sponsorship recognition is many times a very effective and inexpensive form of marketing.

4) Develop simple personal systems to make life easier. We all have many details to attend to in our lives. They can become overwhelming if not successfully managed. My first job after college required finding answers for more people than I had ever been accustomed to working with at one time. I decided to date and list the requests and any associated information in a spiral notebook. Once an issue was resolved, I would draw a line through that request and move on to the next. I kept the notebooks for easy referral.

One of my clients recently complained that she was having difficulty remembering to track her mileage. After reviewing several options, she decided to keep a small notebook in her car to record her mileage. The secret of her success was to not only leave the book in h

nails manicured. This way, she ensures that she can remain attractive to her audience. You will be surprised at what satisfying deals can be struck by using your imagination. A word of caution - always assess whether the agreed upon terms merit a written contract to protect all involved parties.

2) Subcontract with other vendors. While this is not a new concept, business owners tend to overlook or shy away from this method of increasing sales and exposure. We are afraid that we may lose business to a competitor. But what if you are vying for an account whose needs exceed your capacity to supply?

For example, two small employment firms may want to share job orders using some discretion. An increased applicant pool enhances the possibility of providing a client with desirable candidates. The key is to carefully assess the benefits and disadvantages of entering into the arrangement. If both parties decide to move forward with collaboration, a well-crafted non-compete agreement should resolve any potential problems.

3) Sponsor or co-sponsor an event. This is an excellent advertising technique that does not always have to result in a major expense. In addition to financial support, a community event may need a service you can readily supply at little or reduced cost. Sponsorship recognition is many times a very effective and inexpensive form of marketing.

4) Develop simple personal systems to make life easier. We all have many details to attend to in our lives. They can become overwhelming if not successfully managed. My first job after college required finding answers for more people than I had ever been accustomed to working with at one time. I decided to date and list the requests and any associated information in a spiral notebook. Once an issue was resolved, I would draw a line through that request and move on to the next. I kept the notebooks for easy referral.

One of my clients recently complained that she was having difficulty remembering to track her mileage. After reviewing several options, she decided to keep a small notebook in her car to record her mileage. The secret of her success was to not only leave the book in

ng for an account whose needs exceed your capacity to supply?

For example, two small employment firms may want to share job orders using some discretion. An increased applicant pool enhances the possibility of providing a client with desirable candidates. The key is to carefully assess the benefits and disadvantages of entering into the arrangement. If both parties decide to move forward with collaboration, a well-crafted non-compete agreement should resolve any potential problems.

3) Sponsor or co-sponsor an event. This is an excellent advertising technique that does not always have to result in a major expense. In addition to financial support, a community event may need a service you can readily supply at little or reduced cost. Sponsorship recognition is many times a very effective and inexpensive form of marketing.

4) Develop simple personal systems to make life easier. We all have many details to attend to in our lives. They can become overwhelming if not successfully managed. My first job after college required finding answers for more people than I had ever been accustomed to working with at one time. I decided to date and list the requests and any associated information in a spiral notebook. Once an issue was resolved, I would draw a line through that request and move on to the next. I kept the notebooks for easy referral.

One of my clients recently complained that she was having difficulty remembering to track her mileage. After reviewing several options, she decided to keep a small notebook in her car to record her mileage. The secret of her success was to not only leave the book in

llent advertising technique that does not always have to result in a major expense. In addition to financial support, a community event may need a service you can readily supply at little or reduced cost. Sponsorship recognition is many times a very effective and inexpensive form of marketing.

4) Develop simple personal systems to make life easier. We all have many details to attend to in our lives. They can become overwhelming if not successfully managed. My first job after college required finding answers for more people than I had ever been accustomed to working with at one time. I decided to date and list the requests and any associated information in a spiral notebook. Once an issue was resolved, I would draw a line through that request and move on to the next. I kept the notebooks for easy referral.

One of my clients recently complained that she was having difficulty remembering to track her mileage. After reviewing several options, she decided to keep a small notebook in her car to record her mileage. The secret of her success was to not only leave the book in

er been accustomed to working with at one time. I decided to date and list the requests and any associated information in a spiral notebook. Once an issue was resolved, I would draw a line through that request and move on to the next. I kept the notebooks for easy referral.

One of my clients recently complained that she was having difficulty remembering to track her mileage. After reviewing several options, she decided to keep a small notebook in her car to record her mileage. The secret of her success was to not only leave the book in her car, but to place it in a spot where she would see it when starting or turning off her vehicle. This served to constantly jar her memory.

Simple solutions can sometimes help you overcome major and minor obstacles.

5) Do something for your business every day. When discussing his business, my mentor always said 'You gotta love it until you finish it'.

Make it part of your routine to cultivate your business in some manner every day. I'm not suggesting that you perform major tasks seven days a week, but do something, however small, every day. Make a phone call. Draft a letter. Think through a process. Spend some time reflecting upon your business when you are feeling refreshed and invigorated. If you are an early riser, you may find the morning a perfect time to exercise this habit.

These five suggestions have the potential to make both small and large contributions to the success of your business. I'm sure you can come up with others. You just have to think outside-the-box.