Most people look at that as a bad thing. I personally see it as
an opportunity for you and I to step up to the plate and come out
a winner.
People ARE buying less.
They are pickier than ever.
They are more demanding.
And for you the business owner, it’s up to you to deliver the
goods.
Admit it; things have been quite easy in the past few years for
business owners.
If it wasn’t easy for you then… sorry to say… you probably
won’t survive the next few years if you don’t dramatically change
the way you run your business.
In the good times, people spend freely, without nearly as much
thought, and at higher price points.
Times like this mean you have to stand out from the crowd more,
give them MUCH more compelling offers, and provide them better
pricing structures and bundles.
That said… people are still buying… you just have to work
harder. I was shocked this year to see all the stores that were
doing nothing different and expecting strong sales numbers.
No new bundles.
No wacky promotions.
No discounts.
No special deals.
Nothing compelling at all… and the crowds were rushing to buy
from them.
Not!
Then they bitch and whine about the economy and how tough it
is… probably about to go whining to the government for another
bailout package.
Because its up to the tax payers to bail their ass out of bad
business practices.
Right?
The one thing you are guaranteed right now – when you make the
necessary changes in your business right now, and prosper in the
tougher years ahead,… when you emerge at the end… you are
going to lead your industry and be in the position to cash in a
big way when people start spending freely again.
So what kind of things can you do to position your business
differently?
1) Change your products and services. Start being different than
everyone else. Rename them. Create new bundles of products and
services. Make it so people cannot easily compare you to anyone
else (or else the price is all they will buy based on)
2) Create a closer bond with your clients and prospects. This
means you have to be in front of them more often, and by being
more interesting to them. Not pitching them something every
chance you get. But sharing stories with them. Showing them you
are a real person behind the scenes. Now is the time to step up
to the plate and become a real character in their eyes. If it
means you have to elaborate a little on how exciting your life
and history is… so be it. Not all of us are overly colourful.
Some who pretend they are, aren’t really that way behind the
scenes. If you pay attention to story telling basics and take
close note of characters like Regis Philbern (one of the most
enduring tv personalities there is)… or Oprah Winfrey (despite
what you or I may think of her show, she is a master at brining
in her personal life into her business life and sharing the mix
with all who will listen).
3) Think of ways you can keep them coming back to buy from you
– or at least to find out more about what you are up to now.
What you are doing next. What you are doing in your business.
Etc.
This means building in loyalty programs. Membership
programs (like the lobster story I have told many times before
– a multi-million dollar business created in less than a year
selling lobsters… but in a whole new way). If you were to
recreate your business for tv… how would you keep them coming
back week after week, month after month… year after year? Not
an easy thing for most to answer… but certainly worthy of some
serious contemplation going into the new year.
Find ways to reinvent your business model moving forward into
2010.
There is a real opportunity out there for entrepreneurs like you
and I to weather this like a pro… and come out at the end
bigger, better and wildly more profitable.
To your success,
Troy White
PS: If you are in need of more leads and sales, you need to run
on over to http://www.cashflowcalendars.com right now. The 2010
Version is READY!
Seriously, this product WILL help you stand out from the crowd.
It will improve your cash flow. It will help you attract a
better quality of client. And it will get your past clients back
to buy more.
I give you actual copy and paste templates that are guaranteed
to build your business.
Plus, there is well over 1,100 ides in the 2010 Cash Flow
Calendar for promoting your products and services. All it takes
is to get off your ass and implement just one or two ideas a week
and you will see a dramatic difference in your revenues.
The perfect start to your new business year!
http://www.cashflowcalendars.com
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