I have been in the business of helping business owners and executives with a wide variety of issues concerning their business needs. Whether I worked for my own companies or for employers, I always had the same problem. I told the client too much. I am probably the most honest person you'll ever encounter and the one with the biggest mouth that can't keep trade secrets.

But why should I? I have always had the "help the underdog" mentality. Even when I was in charge of the advertising for 75 Wendy's Restaurants in South Florida. McDonald's and Burger King outspent Wendy's 10:1 and 7:1 respectively. We had to be cunning and creative. And we were, twelve years ago, we were the first retail outlet to introduce "Squeeze Bottles" now referred to as sports bottles to the public. We sold 100,000 "squeeze bottles" in ten days. We also created cross-promotions with the media and other large advertisers. We gave away one-day cruises with a combo meal. The customers loved the extras and we loved the bottom line. The best promotion I ever did is when McDonald's ran their Monopoly promotion. You know the one, where they give away millions of prizes. Historically, that promotion killed Wendy's business for the month. Well, to counter their gimmick we created one of our own. I called a friend of mine at the advertising agency that handles McDonald's. I asked her if she knew which game piece was the missing one. She told me that it was Park Place. She had no idea what I was up to. I was so trilled when I found out, you see, there is a four star hotel near here named Park Place. So guess what I did, we ran advertising stating "If your missing Park Place come to Wendy's". We gave away four-day weekends at the Park Place Hotel! Sales that year didn't decline at all!

I guess I told you this story because, with a little creativity and a strong will to succeed, there doesn't have to be an underdog. Now, I have my own place in the world to do what I do best and that is to give too much information to whomever needs it. So, take advantage, I ask you, how may I help?

Just write me at cbass@4smallbusiness.com and I will answer all your questions give you ideas and find you creative ways to be successful.

P.S. I know a lot, but not everything, if I don't have the answers, I will find someone that does!