Author Archives: homesteadop

Running a small business involves a lot of moving parts, and it’s important to make sure they’re all going in the right direction. That’s where a business plan—a document that captures a business’s objectives and provides a road map for achieving them—comes in. Three Big Benefits of Having a Business Plan 1. Helps you steer…

Cable railing—with its sleek profile—has become a popular choice among homeowners wanting durability and a minimalistic aesthetic. According to Mike Stoltzfus, outside sales representative at Homestead Outdoor Products, “Installing it can be challenging, though, because every manufacturer has their own unique cable railing system.” Inexperience and lack of unfamiliarity with a brand can ultimately lead…

Part 3: Mindset and Personality Welcome to our third article inspired by Paul Jarvis’s book Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business. In the first two articles we covered: Part 1: Is Growth Really Necessary? Part 2: Leadership Qualities Now, let’s talk about mindset and personality! Mindset Matters Jarvis…

Join us on March 31, April 28, and May 26 to enjoy a free breakfast along with insight and tips from Wolf® Home Products and affiliates. New Holland Coffee Company • 7 to 8 a.m. R.S.V.P. to reserve your seat! Space is limited to 40 people per session, so hurry! Send an email to sales@homesteadoutdoorproducts.com…

Even when spring showers put a damper on working outside, there’s plenty you can do to maintain momentum. Stay busy and productive by: Making sales and customer follow-up calls Preparing invoices, paying bills, and getting caught up on other paperwork Planning your marketing strategy Cleaning and doing maintenance on equipment and tools Preparing your truck…

Upselling, when approached with purpose, can be a win-win for contractors and their customers. It can add value and increase customer loyalty. Sadly, many businesses give upselling a bad rap because they look at it as a way to push products or services on customers—even when customers don’t need them—for the sake of making more…

Part 2: Leadership Qualities Our series inspired by Paul Jarvis’s book Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business continues! To refresh your memory on what our first article covered, “company of one” isn’t defined as a one-person business. Rather, it refers to running a business resourcefully and not trying…

Please join us for a free breakfast and learning session at the New Holland Coffee Company from 7–8 a.m. on the last Friday of each month from January through May. At each session, a Homestead Outdoor Product vendor will talk about new products, installation techniques, and more. RSVP to reserve your seat! Hurry! Space is…

Selling comes naturally to some people. But for the rest of us . . . not so much. Regardless, it’s crucial for small businesses. Without sales efforts, the well of potential customers will quickly run dry. Fortunately, the following tips can help you get results even if you find selling uncomfortable.  1. Organize your contacts.  Who…

Part 1: Is Growth Really Necessary? In the book Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business, author Paul Jarvis shares insight to help business owners create companies that support how they want to live their lives. While the phrase “company of one” implies a one-person business, Jarvis’s book applies…