New Bookseller's blog now up and running.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
BookshopBlog
We have just launched a brand new blog. It's meant for booksellers but should be interesting for all book lovers. We are looking for 5 contributors that are willing to provide at least 1 post a week. In return we will offer a link back to their site within the post as well as a permanent spot on our front page. This blog will be rather aggressively marketed. We expect to get a substantial amount of traffic and offering a large audience for your writing. The posts would need to be concerned with book selling tools/tips or book related news/opinions. If you're interested contact Bruce via email- bruce@zeebabooks.com.
We have just launched a brand new blog. It's meant for booksellers but should be interesting for all book lovers. We are looking for 5 contributors that are willing to provide at least 1 post a week. In return we will offer a link back to their site within the post as well as a permanent spot on our front page. This blog will be rather aggressively marketed. We expect to get a substantial amount of traffic and offering a large audience for your writing. The posts would need to be concerned with book selling tools/tips or book related news/opinions. If you're interested contact Bruce via email- bruce@zeebabooks.com.
Labels: bookshop blog
Why do Box Stores Succeed, because that's what you chose.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
I regularly hear folks complaining about Big Box Stores. They say how small local shops are so much more elegant and good for the community. Have you heard this recently, "I like to support local/ family owned businesses." I'm guessing you have. I don't know if I've ever heard somebody say, "I like to support Chain Stores/Franchises." It may not be 'in' to say it but people sure do it, you and I included. Try and remember this though if you really do care about your locally owned businesses, you vote with your wallet not your heart. It's your dollars that dictate what type of stores flourish and those that are forced to close.
Imagined at a Mega-Supermarket near you...
In the dairy section a mother of two bumps into an old friend she hasn't seen in a while. After a brief catch up she casually mentions, "Isn't it a shame that cheese shop down the street closed, it was such a pretty little place. Pass me the Brie please."
Imagined at a Mega-Supermarket near you...
In the dairy section a mother of two bumps into an old friend she hasn't seen in a while. After a brief catch up she casually mentions, "Isn't it a shame that cheese shop down the street closed, it was such a pretty little place. Pass me the Brie please."
Labels: box stores
Thursday, July 05, 2007
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I've been reading a ton of stuff on Search Engine Optimization, Internet Marketing and blogging lately. So much so that it has inspired me to increase our web presence quite a bit. I now run two distinct web sites (and participate in a third) and have started 3 more blogs in addition to this one. All the links for these are just to the side. A few times a day I run across posts that make me think a bit - I usually need a catalyst of some sort. Yesterday it came from a very successful blog called ShoeMoney. He posted an article on Freedom vs. Security - not in the national security sense, just personal decisions.
Here's my take on it.
I'm the type of person who Must have freedom, I can't seem to function well without it. Not sure why that is but stability and security always seems to be equated with boredom/must follow rules. Perhaps it comes from arrogance, thinking (often mistakingly) that I can always do something better than the next guy. My search for freedom is so out of control that I left a very stable, moderately well paying job in order to start my own business. The funny thing is that I never could have dreamed of doing this if I had not married a 'security' type. My wife loves the stability of a steady job, knowing a pay cheque is showing up every second week. What type are you? Feel free to comment below.
Every good story should have some setbacks. We've been exceedingly fortunate to have a new son join the family. My wife is on maternity leave with a reduced income so now we have no freedom or security. I'm working hard to make sure that this is a temporary situation. Will we live the dream of the security and freedom of a self-owned business? Stay tuned to see.
I've been reading a ton of stuff on Search Engine Optimization, Internet Marketing and blogging lately. So much so that it has inspired me to increase our web presence quite a bit. I now run two distinct web sites (and participate in a third) and have started 3 more blogs in addition to this one. All the links for these are just to the side. A few times a day I run across posts that make me think a bit - I usually need a catalyst of some sort. Yesterday it came from a very successful blog called ShoeMoney. He posted an article on Freedom vs. Security - not in the national security sense, just personal decisions.
Here's my take on it.
I'm the type of person who Must have freedom, I can't seem to function well without it. Not sure why that is but stability and security always seems to be equated with boredom/must follow rules. Perhaps it comes from arrogance, thinking (often mistakingly) that I can always do something better than the next guy. My search for freedom is so out of control that I left a very stable, moderately well paying job in order to start my own business. The funny thing is that I never could have dreamed of doing this if I had not married a 'security' type. My wife loves the stability of a steady job, knowing a pay cheque is showing up every second week. What type are you? Feel free to comment below.
Every good story should have some setbacks. We've been exceedingly fortunate to have a new son join the family. My wife is on maternity leave with a reduced income so now we have no freedom or security. I'm working hard to make sure that this is a temporary situation. Will we live the dream of the security and freedom of a self-owned business? Stay tuned to see.
Labels: freedom vs. security
Monday, July 02, 2007
Went to a certain box store that specializes in books here on the South Shore this morning. Yes sir did I ever get a nice warm and fuzzy, boy am I a valued customer, sir you are important to us feeling. ah hem..
We have a customer that is getting on in age and occasionally asks me to pick something up for her. I don't mind doing this as it helps her out and gives me an excuse to see what's new. I drove the 10 km or so, browsed the shop a bit then picked up the book she wanted and headed for the cash. I was armed with a printout from the website so I knew the item was marked down 34%. Of course the cashier rang it up and asked for full fare. I pulled out my printout and said...but, but, what about the rebate. With a look in her eyes about as empty as my gas tank she tells me 'That's the online price, the sale doesn't apply here.' Yes..I am a valued customer, just not as valued as an anonymous web surfer. At Zeeba Books many of our books are slightly less expensive in our shop. I always thought that if somebody goes out of their way to visit our shop and spend some of their valuable time either speaking with me or perusing our stock then I'd be happy to give then a better deal. It seems that Indigo does not share my thoughts on this.
Have you had any similar experiences?
We have a customer that is getting on in age and occasionally asks me to pick something up for her. I don't mind doing this as it helps her out and gives me an excuse to see what's new. I drove the 10 km or so, browsed the shop a bit then picked up the book she wanted and headed for the cash. I was armed with a printout from the website so I knew the item was marked down 34%. Of course the cashier rang it up and asked for full fare. I pulled out my printout and said...but, but, what about the rebate. With a look in her eyes about as empty as my gas tank she tells me 'That's the online price, the sale doesn't apply here.' Yes..I am a valued customer, just not as valued as an anonymous web surfer. At Zeeba Books many of our books are slightly less expensive in our shop. I always thought that if somebody goes out of their way to visit our shop and spend some of their valuable time either speaking with me or perusing our stock then I'd be happy to give then a better deal. It seems that Indigo does not share my thoughts on this.
Have you had any similar experiences?
Labels: box stores
