Any small business owners want to help me?

Question

I need to interview some small business for a class project. I could answer these questions for me that would be great! feel free to leave out any answers you're not willing to share.

Interview questions:

Interview questions:

• What is the history of your business? How did you first start it up, how many years have you been in business, what has your growth been like, etc.

• What made you go out on your own (or together, in case of a partnership, etc.)

• Who are your customers / target market?

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of your business location?

• What customer service policies have you adopted?

• Have you used any market research? Of what type?

• Did you prepare a business plan? Of what value was it?

• What are useful sources of funds in your experience?

• What government regulations have you had to deal with?

• What are your future plans?

• How do you stay ahead of your competition?

• How do you manage your costs?

• How many employees do you have? How do you manage employee turnover?

• Is protecting trade secrets an issue?

• Any problems encountered because of gender or minority status

• Any advice you would have for someone just starting out in business?

Answer 1

12 years - incorporated thru an online service and the rest thru research

husband was working for someone else and was stressed by the way he did business

residential commercial and industrial clients

home based business

none

no

no

line of credit

bonds and permits

currently restructuring to cut costs

gas has become an issue

6 treat them well and if they leave they come back

no

no

keep good records and don't get into debt

Good luck with your project!