Lobby sign in the Fairfield Inn in Hutchinson, Kansas. Fairfield Inn, a Marriott brand, is promoting its small town cool roots. This sign from the lobby of the Fairfield Inn in Hutchinson, Kansas, lays out the rural connection, right down to the horseback photo and cowboy hat. “Fairfield Farm was J. Willard Marriott’s favorite vacation…
My friend Rob Zazueta shares a weekly newsletter that he describes as Fascinating. You never know what topics he’ll tackle. When I read this story about Sam Adams, it was such a perfect fit for Small Town Rules, I just had to share it. –Becky Beer Me To know me is to know I love…
Two big awards for Small Town Rules 1. Named one of the Best Small Business Books Published in 2012 by the National Federation of Independent Business. 2. Named a Winner in the 2013 Small Business Book Awards: Cleveland, OH, April 2, 2013 – Small Town Rules has been named a Winner in the 2013 Small…
If you operate a small business of any type–product or service, home-based, Main Street, on the outskirts or outside of town, new or old–you have a common bond with all other small business owners. Your common bond is the close linkages between your family and your business. Actions taken in one easily can affect the…
Photos are key for tourism promotion, so you can never have too many great photos to use online. However, most photos you find online are NOT public domain, so you do not have the right to use them. One great resource that brings together many different types of images that you are allowed to re-use…
Small businesses used to have a hard time getting approved to accept credit cards. Getting set up for a merchant account involved passing a credit check, agreeing to a long-term contract, paying monthly fees even if you didn’t accept any payments, and acquiring specialized equipment often with another monthly payment. Square and its competitors…
The Brag Basket is our tradition of sharing. The basket is always free and open all weekend, this one April 5-7, 2013. What good news will you add to the brag basket? Don’t hold back because of that word, “brag.” When you hold back, you hide your good news and accomplishments that might inspire others….
You get what you measure. That is, anything you actually go to the trouble to keep records on, you will pay more attention to and likely improve. If you make yourself write down everything you eat, you’ll find yourself feeling accountable. You’ll actually eat less or eat better things so you won’t be embarrassed to…
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