About a year ago we had a contest to see how African store owners would use $500. to grow their business. Out of 510 ideas, here's what African store owners say. 49% say buy more products 26% say buy advertising or put on home parties or festivals 15% say buy promotional tools or packaging 11% give other ideas These ideas all came from other people who are selling African and Afro-centric products. Where else can you find out what other people in your own business say. This was such good information, that I wanted to mention it again this year...just in case you missed it (or were not around) the first time. You can find a lot more of this kind of information on the Africa Imports website.