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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