In our last blog, we began going over a list of suggestions made by Mari-Lyn Harris from Heart At Work. This list consists of helpful tips that encourage business owners to turn it up a notch in 2012, in an effort to have their best business year yet. Working diligently on doing things that are “outside of the box” can create quite the buzz for your business.
Just ask MeloTel President, John Meloche, who took hold of 2011 by making it the year he became a rapper, singer, published author and philanthropist. Not to mention, John helped to turn MeloTel into a one-stop shop for all of your business needs. Needless to say, we practice what we preach around here.
For example, we do all we can to make sure our customers know how to find us. “How are your customers finding you?” asks Harris. In other words, it is important that you pinpoint a strategy that will encourage more clients to come into your store to increase your sales. It should be clear to them what it is you offer before they even arrive.
In other words, your website should be regularly updated and user-friendly. Can your potential customers easily find a way to contact you? Is your phone number clearly listed? Can your store location be easily found? Are your customers able to order directly from your website? These are some important questions to answer in 2012.
In our last blog, we mentioned the use of social media websites as free sources of advertising. But Harris points out that social networking is a lot more than getting a free plug. It allows you to communicate with groups of people, helping you to put a hand on the pulse of your customers.
As well, writes Harris, “Social networks have also been used to examine how organizations interact with each other, characterizing the many informal connections that link executives together, as well as associations and connections between individual employees at different organizations.”
Don’t forget that this type of networking should also be done in person. Take as many opportunities as you can to meet other local business owners and sales people at business functions. Be sure to follow up with those that you meet as well. All too often, people make connections but do not keep in contact with them. What good does that do?
Keeping in touch will help you to garner more referrals and recommendations. Not to mention, you may be able to create joint ventures with other businesses. As Harris points out, “when you partner up with someone who had the same audience as you, by offering your product or service to their customers. Both parties work together to help each other. Collaborating also works really well.”