Hot Frozen Yogurt
A great new yogurt shop opened up in town earlier this year. Yogurt Creations is a favorite of BIG Folio staff and they've put an interesting twist on selling frozen desserts. Instead of ordering a specific size, flavor and topping combination, you simply make your own. Grab a cup, walk up to the yogurt machines and pour, add some toppings, then pay by weight.
Not only is going there fun, but their business model is brilliant. They have less to stock (there are only 2 sizes of cups) and there is no menu to maintain. But most of all, they only require one or two employees on at any time. Staff is often the most expensive part of running a business, and what better way to reduce staff needs than having the customer do the work?
As you take time to evaluate and fine-tune your business for next year, don't just look for ways to increase revenue. Also look for ways to reduce your costs. Look for opportunities to let technology - or even other people - do work for you.