Tour Hana, Maui

Posted in: Blog, Maui by MauiHawaiiUpdates on March 30, 2011

We’ve had the pleasure of getting to know the owners of Valley Isle Excursions, whom from what we understand are the only locally owned and operated Hana tour company on Maui.

On their Hana tours, Valley Isle Excursions go above and beyond what is expected for a tour around the east of Maui.  Read more…

Pride of Maui

Posted in: Blog, Maui by MauiHawaiiUpdates on March 9, 2011

With all the businesses on Maui that squeak by even though they have poor business practices, it’s nice to see a company that handles themselves correctly.  The teams behind Pride of Maui charters have their priorities in order.  Their focus is on giving their guests an experience beyond expectations.  It’s quite obvious that the level of enthusiasm for the ocean and the activities done on it is higher on the Pride of Maui than on most other boat crews. Read more…

Growing Your Maui Business

Posted in: Blog, Maui by MauiHawaiiUpdates on March 2, 2011

Growing a business in Hawaii in a down economy is no easy task. We’ve outlined a few things that have worked for us.

• Baby steps - don’t over extend yourself. There’s no shame in growing slowly. Take your time and proceed cautiously. This means being frugal and working within your financial, emotional and time limits.
• Goals – have goals all along the way. Set small ones and big ones. We started with “get up in the morning and have some coffee then work.” checking things off a list promotes motivation. Make daily goals, monthly, and yearly. Don’t make them unrealistic! If you’re likely to not reach them, it can be daunting and set you back. There’s a fine balance because you don’t want to think too small either.
• Keep costs down – BUT don’t cut where it counts. A lot of businesses cut advertising and marketing when the economy goes into the pooper. Big mistake! Marketing should be the last thing you cut. How else do you intend to drum up business? If you do anything with marketing, be more diligent in seeing where your leads and sales are coming from. Measure your analytics in every channel of promotion. If you decide to cut, cut what isn’t working. This should be a regular practice in any economy.
• Be prepared – if your business is growing, or even just maintaining, you’re succeeding with this economy. Be prepared for a jump in business as things speed up. Just like booming businesses in a good economy need to prepare for a slow down, you need to be ready for a push. Don’t expect it, but be ready for it if it happens. We believe that companies that succeed when beginning in a bad economy are more likely to last for the long haul.

Read more…