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Is 2009 What You Expected?
As we head into the 4th Quarter, I have a question for you: Has 2009 been better, worse or about what you expected for your business? In January of this year, Microsoft published the results of a survey they conducted in December 2008 showing that 60% of small business owners said they believed 2009 would be better than 2008. 37% were worried about this year, but believed their businesses would survive. So, what has your business been like this year? What did you do differently that may prove to be the difference between surviving into 2010 and shutting your doors? Practically every business owner we talk with has made some sort of change in their sales and marketing efforts in the past 12 – 18 months. In most cases, part of it was due to the economy, and in many cases, it’s just because that’s what intelligent business owners and managers do to continue to grow. Your competitors are always looking for an advantage or a way to do something differently to earn new business (which also means they are trying to steal your clients away from you when you get sloppy!). What are you doing for the rest of this year and in 2010 to be stronger, get more sales and boost your profitability? Here are 3 ways you can take action NOW that will improve your results: Commit to your Internet Marketing - Just because you have a website does not mean it’s doing anything for your bottom line. Talk with someone who truly understands Internet Marketing and find out what changes you can make so that people can find your website EASILY. This can include a multitude of activities including online social networking, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), press releases and article publishing, etc. Once they’ve arrived at your website, make it easy for them to do business with you! Add an easy to use shopping cart. Or, if you are a professional services firm, give them a reason to email or call your office for more information. Commit to your sales process - Write a step-by-step plan for what happens to each suspect and prospect to move them through your sales process until they either buy or don’t buy. This plan should be extremely detailed and include scheduling for future calls, emails, presentations, direct mail, etc. Do not lose to your competition because you failed to follow up with your potential clients!
Commit to your clients - Your clients have already bought from you. They know you. They understand your value. Hopefully, they love you! Stay in touch with them. Let them know what you’re doing that is new. Make them special offers. Ask them what’s going on in their businesses. Send referrals to them. Send them information that could help their business. Ask them for more business (when appropriate, of course!). Just don’t ever ignore them.
And, of course, The Surfside Group would appreciate the opportunity to help you! 2009 has been good for us so far, but we’re always looking for ways to grow our company too! |