5 Things to Do Today to Maximize Your Business in 2010!

As we move forward into a new way of doing business in this sparse economy, small businesses need to look to large corporations for examples of efficiency. Utilizing new technologies, increase employee efficiency, and thinking out of the box to provide more and better service for the same price to our client’s is essential. This is the spirit of innovation this country was built on, and it is one to which we need to return in this tough economic climate. Now is not the time to sit back, but to plan ahead and solidify your base.

Here are five things you can start doing today to maximize your business.

1. Reputation
References are critical today. Get as many letters of recommendation as possible. Make sure they reflect all the benefits of using your company. Then make sure you use them everywhere; on your website and in your marketing materials. They validate you to potential clients and can also relieve any concerns people might have.

2. Planning
Consolidate your efforts by creating a marketing plan. Knowing what you want to accomplish and giving it a schedule will make it more likely to get done. Remember you are busy running your business, so don’t take on more than you can handle. If it is too much for you to do alone, give parts out to staff members or bring in a professional to help. It is critical that you get the word out about your company. Awareness and Brand Recognition are the first steps in the sales process.

3. Network, Network, Network
Both online and off, make your presence known. Get online and link or friend everyone you know in the real world. Keep your friends on Facebook and your business people on LinkedIn. Then market to both, because you never know where the next lead will come from. Again, don’t take on too much, because consistency is the critical factor. You are in it for the long haul, not a short race. Offline, join industry groups, Chambers of Commerce and charity organizations. The key here is to get involved on a committee or board where your expertise will shine. You never know who will be watching!

4. Make the most of your current connections
With today’s market you may not want so much to expand, as to increase business with your existing clients. Kick your service up a notch! It is 7 times harder to get a new client than it is to sell more to an existing client. Think about additional services you can provide. Upselling and sideselling can dramatically increase your bottom line.

5. Create a BUZZ
Do something entirely different, new and innovative in your field, earn an award or honor, help a worthy cause. Then talk about it. It’s OK to toot your own horn! Nobody else will do it for you, so tell everyone, through Press Releases, emails and posts on your website. Blast it from your Facebook and LinkedIn accounts, and Tweet about it. There are a million ways to get the word out. We must continue to think outside the box, and I guarantee, we will survive, and even thrive, during these times.

From the Field
Marjorie