Top Ten Strategies for Boosting Small Biz Profits
by Bea Fields
No matter what stage your small business is in, one thing
is for sure: money matters! If you are in a slump, the fastest
way to jump-start your sales is to reach out and touch as
many people as possible using your unique talents and gifts.
These ten tips will guide you to maximizing profits from
your small business while becoming a biz expert one day
at a time.
1. Choose your words with care. Each time you speak,
you have the chance to make or break your business. Use
active sentences that speak confidence: "We need to fix
this today," and use tones that are neutral (avoid talking
too loudly, too quickly, too softly, or too slowly).
2. Consider using kids as marketing consultants. Children
have a natural tendency to think outside of the box, and
they can be an asset for entrepreneurs trying to reach a
booming, growing market.
3. Build lasting relationships. Communicate with
your customers even when you are not trying to sell them
something. Send handwritten congratulatory notes, give gifts
as a follow-up to a sale or referral, personalize e-mails
and faxes to existing clients, and incorporate "little acts
of kindness" into your daily business routine.
4. Make small talk. Ask open-ended questions, and
remember to listen closely. Decide who your best prospects
are, where you will find them, and go where they are: meetings,
committees, the local coffee shop, the circus, the university
campus, or a shopping plaza.
5. Know your birth order. Did you know that whether
you are the youngest, oldest, or middle in your birth order
can influence how you run your business? Research shows
that first-borns are often conscientious, obedient, and
hard-driving. Later-borns are often more flexible, innovative,
laid-back, and social. Middle-borns are often negotiators,
supportive, hardworking, and love to please.
6. Use a headset. Talking on the phone for a few
hours a day can be draining for even the heartiest of entrepreneurs.
Headsets allow increased productivity, as they can free
up your hands and allow you to think more creatively while
roaming around during a telephone conversation.
7. Turn invoices into a marketing communication tool.
On your invoices, add computer-generated messages that promote
upcoming events, new products or services, or seasonal specials
and announcements. This one act can enable your customers
to understand more about your company and how they can effectively
do business with you.
8. Do your homework! Before you can do business
with someone, it is crucial to know his or her business
inside and out. Turn to the internet, library, or call the
company directly to dig for information about the company
or industry. You will be much better prepared to meet the
needs of a prospective client by conducting thorough research
in advance.
9. Polish your presentation skills. Even if you
have the most sophisticated technology, you cannot make
a sale if you have not polished your presentation skills.
Tips: Stay loose, stand or sit solidly (not stiff), connect
with your audience by using terms they understand, and share
your passion. Your enthusiasm, excitement, and energy can
make or break a presentation.
10. Be dedicated to learning. If you are learning,
you are growing. Hit the books, go back to school, and surround
yourself with people who are "in the know." You are never
too old to learn new things, which can translate into better
business, effective management techniques, and innovation.
About the Author
Bea Fields may be contacted at http://www.fivestarleader.com
. Bea Fields is an Executive Coach and a Certified Guerrilla
Marketing Coach. She is also a Consultant, Trainer, Public
Speaker and author of the Five Star Leader e-course. Her
area of expertise is that of Leadership Development and
Marketing for Executives, Managers, Small Business Owners,
and Political Leaders.
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