Increase Sales Instantly
May 4, 2009 by World Publish
Filed under Business
Every home business has the same problem of how to increase sales without a hugely expensive marketing campaign. By utilising the following simple ideas you will be able to do just that.
1) Use your invoices as an advertising tool.
Whether you get your invoices printed professionally or use the invoicing function on your bookkeeping software, ensure that you place some type of advertising on the form. This method provides positive reinforcement of what your business offers. An attractive invoice gives two huge benefits:- your customers are more likely to remember you next time they require that product/service and they will pay the invoice more quickly.
2) Have a business card.
Many small business owners think that they don’t need a business card because that is something for the “big boys”. Having your own card will present an impression of being professional in your approach. Even if you rarely deal with your customers face-to-face it is a good way to promote said professionalism to other businesses. An example would be a meeting with a new supplier. When asked for your business name and address, simply hand over your card. (Bonus tip:- only look smug on the inside.)
3) Use name tags.
Buy some name tags for you and you employees to wear. They are cheap to buy and can include the persons name, their position in the business and, of course, the business name. Consider having clothing with the business name on it. If you or your staff is in regular contact with customers, it makes sense to push your name forward at every opportunity.
4) Get a free ‘phone number.
Most major telephone companies offer a free ‘phone service. If your main source of new customers is by telephone, it can provide a significant increase in sales. Customer perception of your business is also improved.
5) Write a business newsletter.
This is a good way to let your customers know of any special offers or promotions you may be running. Don’t focus too highly on making it a sales letter, though. You should include advice not directly linked to sales. For example, if you sell garden products or services, include an article on how and when to properly prune roses. Your customers will appreciate your expertise.
6) Have an attractive window display.
If your sales outlet is a shop it is important to be able to attract customers through the front door. Even if you can’t afford the services of a professional window dresser, take a bit of time when you are next at a shopping centre and look at what the major chains are doing. They spend a fortune on getting it right so you are bound to pick up a few tips.
7) Offer free samples.
Everyone likes a freebie. Give your customers something for nothing. Don’t just offer something cheap as if you got it for free, but provide something of true value. Put a bit extra into the order box you send out or pop a couple of extra apples into the bag AFTER it has been weighed and paid for. People remember these little touches.
Use business vehicles as a mobile advertising poster.
Whether you have a van, car or a small fleet, make sure you have your business name and logo clearly displayed on your vehicles. You may not want to have a huge banner on the side of your car but you could consider the likes of a bumper sticker or a small sign in the back window.
9) Advertise on your faxes and emails.
Similar to your invoices in this regard. Most small businesses will have a letterhead on their stationery but will forget that a lot of customer contact nowadays is done by fax and email. Ensure that every communication you have with your customers has details of your business included on it.
10) Include a brochure in your letters to customers.
This is similar to a newsletter but what it allows you to do is much more “hard sell”. A newsletter gives a general feel of what you are providing whereas a brochure should be used to directly sell your business. Include details of prices, new lines or services and how to get in touch.
All of the above have one main purpose, to increase your credibility with all you come into contact with in your business life, customers and suppliers alike. Try using some or all in your business and you will find that they make a measurable difference.
Good directions to focus on your business efforts
May 4, 2009 by World Publish
Filed under Business
If you want to succeed in your online business, there are some very basic tips that will apply to any type of online venture. A home based business required a lot of self discipline, but it also requires a good direction to focus your efforts. These should help you get started.
1. Take care of your potential customers - Any communication you receive from a potential customer should be answered promptly and courteously. That first communication from a customer is almost like an audition. They may have a question, but they are also testing you to see if they would like to do business with you, not your company, but you. They want to know who is behind the web page.
2. Be persistent - Be determined to make your business a success. You will likely encounter set-backs, but keep working to overcome them. If you chip away at the walls that appear in front of you, you will eventually tear them down.
3. Don’t expect instant success - It will take time and effort to make your online business a success. Work hard and take the necessary action to make your business work. In the end, your hard work will pay off.
4. Create a budget for your business - It is very rare that you will make your business a success without spending some money along the way. Set up your plan for how much you will spend in any given area, so you do not overspend without realizing it. Don’t be afraid to rethink your budget allocations if you see that they need to be changed.
5. Promote aggressively - The only way you will make money in your business is if people are aware that it exists. You have to spend a majority of your time and energy marketing and advertising your business. Do your research and try out different ideas, then put more effort towards the ideas that work. Your goal is to make sure as many people know about you as possible.
6. Never stop learning - Every day is a chance to learn how to do thing more efficiently. Keep your eyes open for news ideas and strategies to implement. Look for tools and techniques that will help you.
7. Communicate - If you have business partners and employees, communicate with them often. Talk to them about decisions and the direction of the company. Also, talk to them about any idea they may have and look objectively at their suggestions. They may see something you have overlooked.
8. Believe in your success - If you believe that you can do this, you will inherently work harder. You will set high goals and standards for yourself. You will not give up easily.
Remember, by following these steps, you will greatly increase your chances for success. You can do this. Grow your business!
Business Online
March 7, 2009 by World Publish
Filed under Business
The best role of business online is that of interdependency. We’ve all heard the old saying, ‘No man is an island.’ When it comes to online business this is especially true.
If a business owner who takes their business into the online world determines they will be self reliant and never accept the help of anyone then that individual will not be in business long enough to change their minds.
It is accepted fact that the greatest tool for long-term exposure to your website is through Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Without it potential customers can’t find you. It is unreasonable to expect that you can adequately develop a website without optimizing your website for the best possible search engine ranking.
Search engines also place a high value on sites that have links placed on existing sites. These ‘backlinks’ demonstrate to search engines that others trust your site. By placing your link on their website these other businesses indicate a trust and recommendation for your site.
In effect the two strategies listed above rely exclusively on what others can do for you when it comes to your online business.
Shirley Temple once proclaimed in her movie Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, ‘I’m very self-reliant.’ American westerns are filled with lines dealing with pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and holding down the fort. Many of us have grown up to believe if we want something done right we have to do it ourselves.
This thinking is in opposition to the rules associated with an online business.
The online world can only exist because people share. Individuals share technology, but the also share links, reviews, blogs, forums and a wide range of other marketing strategies that find a commingling of interdependency.
In online business you are as dependent on others as they may be on you. Unlike the word ‘dependent’, the term interdependent indicates a mutual dependency. In other words you are depending on others to help provide links back to your site while they are equally dependent on you (or others) for the success of their business.
Have you really taken a proactive approach to networking? It’s possible you are reading this today and you’ve never considered asking someone else to place a link to your site on his or her online business site.
It can feel awkward depending on others to achieve online success especially if you’ve been lead to believe reliance on others is also a sign of imposing on their otherwise brilliant generosity.
I suppose it could be a deep-seated sense of pride that makes it hard to consider the need to ask others for help. However, the truth is depending on others is really what has made the Internet possible. The growth of this online world is comprised of a link of computers, networks and servers that are connected in a way that provides the maximum benefit for all.
Building an online business can feel a bit like trying to build a house of cards. Without the ability to rely on the other ‘cards’ around you it is virtually impossible to build.
Interdependence. This is the essence of online business.
