I'm reading a book at the moment - an older one which I bought some time ago. I kind of 'glanced' at it when I first bought it, but as is usual with these things, I then usually go back and have another look (often about 6 years later). So, this one is called "The Profit Zone: How Strategic Business Design Will Lead You To Tomorrow's Profits" by a guy called Adrian Slywotzky. And although it focuses more on 'big' companies (such as Intel, Microsoft and Disney, amongst others), there are some good 'lessons' for everyone in here...including eBayers! Anyway - in the section on 'Intel', the author looks at how Intel has risen to become the World's #1 chip-maker. It starts decades ago...in fact, interestingly enough, back in the late 70's, Intel didn't make processors for PC's (like it does now) - it focused on making 'DRAM'...that's memory for PCs. What happened? Well, because of the (DRAM) market's huge growth, tons of competitors (mostly Japanese) jumped along for the ride. Eventually, that meant profits got watered down for everyone. Intel was faced with a problem: continue making sub-par profits in 'DRAM', or consider its alternatives. It decided to focus on processors instead - which, at the time, was a HUGE change for them. After all, they were memory-makers!

Read more ...

More devoted readers may remember that when I recently moved office, I couldn't find a decent sandwich shop around here...Well, that 'thinking' was based on the fact that the couple of places I'd 'spied' looked a bit ropey from the outside; the kind of place where they'd wipe their nose before buttering your bread. Anyway...that appears to have changed. See, one of the most run-down looking places actually produces a decent sandwich. I've been sampling their 'wares' for a week or so now. The result? I have already seen dust forming on my newly- purchased 'toasted-sanwdwich-making-machine'. Yes, dear reader...appearances can be deceptive! (I've just realised that I'm talking about sandwich shops again - for the second day running). Anyway - yes, appearances can be deceptive. It 'looks' like they'd produce a poor product - but actually, it's the opposite.

Read more ...

Next week I won't be here that much - although I'll still be writing you my daily email message. So, where will I be? I'm visiting a trade-show...not for the first time, and I don't think it will be my last either. If you've already started your eBay business, or are looking to start one, then they can be well worth a visit. Why? Simply because you'll find them 'chock' full of suppliers who can provide you with profitable products to resell. Whatever the niche. Sure, not every supplier will exhibit at trade-shows - but plenty do. This is ideal if you're looking at a certain niche. Let's say you're interested in selling beauty type products on eBay and online. Then there's a trade-show for that 'niche' (as for practically any other).

Read more ...