Officially my first post, and it's about what I am sure is our biggest concern...The Economy. I know a lot of businesses that are struggling, whining and complaining about our current mess. I know that there is not a lot that I can do to fix the overall problem, but I do know that there is much I can do in my own circle.
Business, Sales and Marketing are what I love. So what I can do is get back to the basics as I see them, to weather this storm and come out on top. Some of the things I am doing to move forward are as follows:
Business, Sales and Marketing are what I love. So what I can do is get back to the basics as I see them, to weather this storm and come out on top. Some of the things I am doing to move forward are as follows:
- Take Care of My Customers: It's a lot easier to make sure my current customers know that I value and appreciate them. Do you have a customer retention program? Do you call and follow up on completed jobs/transactions? Do you strive for 100% Satisfaction? If you don't you will lose in today's market. More and more consumers can communicate with each other and share their experiences. Do you ever leave your business and go visit customers, take them a little gift to remind them of you? Notepads and a logo pen? It costs much more to find a new customer than to keep one.
- Involve My Employees: Yes it's hard, I had to let someone go because of the slow down in the economy. But communicating with employees helps keep morale up. Discussing business goals and giving them input help them understand our challenges. They'll give you some good ideas if you ask them. No surprises, we even share financial data...so that when we've had to make tough decisions, they understand them.
- MORE Marketing...not less!: When the economy is tough, people do one of two things, cut the marketing to save the budget (and consequently they cut sales even more), or they work harder for that "Top Of Mind Awareness". My customers are ordering less, but I am adding new customers! Tough times weed out the weak, when a competitor fails, do your prospects know that you are a great alternative? We are sending out letters, direct mail, and using Search Engine Marketing , I'm even starting this blog both to share and get ideas for staying on top of my game!
- Community Involvement: Are you involved with your local Chamber of Commerce? Help with your kids school? The Scouts? Your Church? All of that networking helps. And believe it or not, when times are tough, people like to do business with people in their community and keep dollars supporting local businesses. The Osceola County Chamber of Commerce is looking for more involvement in the different councils it sponsors, and the Chamber needs more Ambassadors (You can ask me about that if you need more information).
- Yes, I'm watching my expenses very closely: Review EVERYTHING, we've saved money on combining our high speed Internet and phone services...nearly $400.00 a month. We cancelled a business cell phone. We do our own cleaning now. Every little bit helps.
The bottom line is that we have a responsibility to ourselves, our families, our employees, our employers, our community to step up. When your behind in the game and it's the 4th quarter. You don't slacken your efforts and give up...you review your strategy and figure out what it's going to take to win the game. I'm gonna win this game...how 'bout you?
I'd love to hear what others are doing right now.
