The Chronicle’s Business blog / Jerry bellune |

Dian and Gerald Harmon worked hard to make their concrete business successful and sold it for a bundle long before they were ready to retire. They started a “fun” business – a Christmas tree farm with hay rides, spooky Halloween rides and other events for kids. It was fun and profitable, too.

No matter what kind of business you’re in, find ways to make it fun, too.

Bill and Vickie Shanahan own a collegiate summer baseball team but know they are in the fun and entertainment business.

Last week they unveiled 2 “Fair Food” specials – donut burgers and chocolate covered bananas with sprinkles.

The burger (cheeseburger, too) comes on a sliced glazed donut. The frozen, chocolate covered banana with sprinkles comes on a stick. When their new baseball season opens today, they will also offer corn dogs on a stick, funnel fries and other fair food.

Now ask yourself this:

1. What can I offer my customers, clients or patients that would be fun but not out of character with my core business?

2. Ask your best customers, contractors, vendors and employees that question.

You’ll be delighted by their answers.

We share such ideas in “Maverick Entrepreneurs’ Million Dollar Strategies.”

For a $20 personally autographed copy, contact us at 803-359-7633 or email JerryBellune@yahoo.com.

Copyright 2019, The Bellune Co., Inc.