10 Ways to Juice Your Business
July 30th, 2009
We are facing challenges in our economy that no one has experienced before. The news gives us little pieces of hope but usually just goes from bad to worse on a regular basis. Many business’ are plagued with fear of not being able to continue to the future.
Top companies that never had to worry are now scrounging to survive. Economists are troubled and marketing departments in many companies are more worried about there own jobs then the well being of their company. As professionals how do we find the way to grow our business?
Following are 10 tips to help you navigate successfully despite today’s frigid business conditions.
1: Understand the terrain
Wikipedia defines trench warfare as “forms of warfare where both combatants have fortified positions, and fighting lines are static. “The key word is static. By noticing and dealing with the fact that businesses have buckled down. You can begin to strategize the path that will move your business forward.
2: Recognize early progress could be agonizingly slow
In World War I advancements were measured in feet or sometimes inches. Even now with the economy we measure the same way. Given our current situation it may seem everything is happening in a slow pace but take your business plan into thought for they may be a reduced pace of progress. Sustainable success can be best achieved through a series of minor victories.
3: Lose the fear
A good salesperson knows the fear of being a strong motivator. They understand that fear needs to be under control, if not brought under control the fear can lead distress or high anxiety. Your success will be determined not only by how you deal with these fears but also how you talk to the fears with your customers, clients and competitors. As you focus your attention on your immediate plan of action your sense of fear will begin to decline.
4: Be different
A common saying most people know goes something like this. Performing the same action repeatedly and expecting a different outcome is a definition of insanity. It is also proven true that what may have worked well in the past may not work in today’s economic climate. Take serious action to change your approach. Breaking from the mold will cause you to look at your business with a newer and different perspective.
5: Be a puzzle solver
Treating your business like a puzzle to be solved much like a cross word adding one new word at a time. Writing down specific difficulties to be solved, and than writing down possible solutions can lead to unexpected and creative results.
6: Tell your story
Whether the story is about you and your business or about a client the story still needs to be told. One effective way to get stories out to the public is through creative public relations. PR does not have to cost much but PR companies are feeling the slowdown like every one else and are looking for new clients like they never had to before.
Using professional service on an individual basis could give your business greater exposure with little expenses. Also, having a timely release can reward you with huge payments.
7: Make technology work for you
Email marketing is a proven way to get your message across to your targeted audience. Every business, including yours, has an email database. The database may consist of clients, friends and customers. There are numerous ways to do this. Some examples include email blasts, and even an email in form of a video which many people tend to like more.
Many companies have email lists to reach specific businesses and or customers to reach a larger audience. You should however avoid bulk email lists due to the fact that they are usually associated with spam. Using email creatively can be a really great way to promote for your business.
8: Use direct mail
Even though postal costs are on the rise using direct mail can also be a great way to get your message out to a big audience. There are companies who odder good mailing lists at a low cost. Remember; when you do a bulk mail the response will most always be a small percentage of the number of pieces mailed out.
9: Know your competition better than they know you
Knowing your competition is especially important in today’s society. Your competition is experiencing the economic concern you are and are dealing with this in ways that you should make yourself aware of. By simply observing your competition you can learn and adapt that to your business environment.
10: Do your homework
You have the greatest research tool ever invented right at your finger tips, the internet. Use the internet to your advantage. A portion of your business day should be doing research online. By doing this you will be on top of many things related to your business.
Also, you will be able to learn about new technology, products and other important information that can help give your business the upper hand. Researching historical information on the internet will give you better insight on how you can improve your business.
Today’s economy is tough there is no single way out. By using these tips it will help produce a better business. Keep at it and people will soon be asking you for tips and advice!
