1001 Ways•
on May 12th, 2008•
Show me the money
Money, bread, coin, mighty dollar, piece of the pie… I know this sounds funny, but many people are puzzled as to the process of making money. Being profitable is the #1 goal of business. And by the way, if you don’t make money then you really don’t have a business. Over the years I’ve heard thousands of great ideas for new businesses – and a few that weren’t so great – and at least half of the folks that I spoke with didn’t figure out a way to achieve income. Many had a great idea that they thought would make them rich beyond their wildest dreams. But no way to get there. I once got a call from a person who had “the greatest idea in the world” that would make him millions but he didn’t want to tell anyone for fear that they would steal his idea and make the aforementioned millions before he did. I assured him that he had little to worry about but he wouldn’t tell me either. The secret to making money is to ask for it. Or more specifically, to ask for the order. It seems simple but it’s hard to do. Start with identifying a target audience, fulfilling a need with your product or service and asking for the order. Give it a shot, it works.
1001 Ways•
on May 9th, 2008•
Develop a solid marketing plan
If you’re going on a vacation what do you do first? Well, the first thing you do is determine where to go. Then you figure the best way to get there. Maybe even out how to pay for it, but that’s no fun. That pretty much describes how to put a marketing plan together. Think of a marketing plan as a road map. It lays out the direction that your company should go when communicating with customers and prospects. It points you towards success. Your marketing plan should include a list of media – print, radio, TV and online – that you need to reach the target market effectively. Your marketing plan should also include measurable goals and the means to accomplish those goals. Gotta go. Time to plan for a family vacation to the beach!
1001 Ways•
on May 8th, 2008•
Survey existing customers
How do your customers feel about your product or service? A survey is an excellent way to take the pulse of your customers. Stay in touch through informal lunches or a create a professional campaign. Sample questions should include: Why do you buy our product? Are you happy with our service? What can we do better? Are you buying the same product from another company? Try to find out why (how and where) customers buy from your company. Encourage them to be honest because you will learn more from your weaknesses then from your strengths. What do you think of our blog?
1001 Ways•
on May 7th, 2008•
Be positive in your outlook
It’s important that you feel great about yourself and what you do for a living. If you have a positive attitude about your job, you will succeed by transferring that enthusiasm to customers and prospects. When you wake up in the morning, are you excited about getting to work? Even though marketing and sales are tough and there’s a lot of competition in almost every industry, a positive attitude will get you through any obstacle. Being positive opens the door to creative thinking. And creative thinking shows you new paths to success.
1001 Ways•
on May 6th, 2008•
Make a list of your strengths
Every business has weaknesses. Sometimes we are painfully aware of them on a regular basis. But your business may also be strong in many areas. Possibly even a leader in your industry. To find how your business is different list all of the strengths you can think of. For example: Are you the low price leader? Is your business the most experienced? Do you have the highest quality product or service? Try to list 50 different and measurable strengths. Use this information to brand your business as the leader in a specific category. This is a great way to develop new ideas for a marketing campaign. You’ll feel better about your business after a little exercise.
1001 Ways•
on May 5th, 2008•
Extend your product or service
Consider how you could add new life (meaning new sales) to your existing product or service. For example, people who buy your product might be interested in a warranty. Or there might be a whole new market for a used version of your product. Find other companies that produce similar products who do not sell in your territory, form a partnership and sell each others products respectively. If you provide a service, think of ways to be invaluable to your customers and prospects. Use your website to provide solutions and offer up-to-date information about your industry. Get out there and make it happen!
