Do you have the entrepreneurial spirit for 2007? Want to open a dessert bar? Love organic products? You might be right on track for a great idea in 2007! Here are some ideas from Entrepreneur Magazine’s Hot List for 2007

What has you worried for 2007 and what can you do about it? A recent White Mountain Survey of business persons, conducted by the SBDC showed the following concerns: 1. Increasing revenue 2. Growing the business 3. Expanding market share 4. Finding and retaining qualified employees 5. Developing new products 6. Raising capital 7. Pricing and profitability pressures 8. Costs of materials, property, operating costs 9. Changing economy 10. Legislation requirements

Most small businesses today know the value of customer service. Good customer service helps a business grow, and bad customer service causes customers to leave. Yet customer service is difficult to measure, and often reflects the view of just a few customers. Are those who complain the loudest your best indication of a customer service problem? Do you base your customer service on the praise of your happiest customers? While these can point out problem areas or strengths, more often than not the best indication of a businesses customer service ability is their overall reputation. Are your customers comfortable with the product or service and feel good about being a customer? Do they recommend you regularly to friends and other contacts?