Don't wait for opportunity to knock the door... go and get it! Don't panic and make a commitment to do something each day that will help get you new customers/business during lean times. Keep this list close to hand so that those down times can be put to better use to strengthen your business.
Get on the phone!
Pick up the phone to existing customers. Sometimes a general chat can stimulate a number of things, a sense of caring from you for one and quite repeat business and/or a referral.
Create a newsletter
Regular newsletters help keep your existing customers informed of what's happening in your business and share new services or products. Keep it consisent.
Offer Freebies
Everyone loves a freebie. Customers love to feel valued and important. Market freebies to attract new customers as well.
Open doors
Got a new product to show off? Invite valued customers to your property, few glasses of wine, bit of music – the social aspect of it won't seem as thought it's business but fun.
Business cards
Don't leave home without them. You never know who you will bump into.
Email signature
Use your email signature to signpost back to offers on your website or key message – you can be creative without coming across as desperate.
Get Social
If you are not using social media to amplify your messages and seek out potential new business, now might be a good time to set up and get savvy with social media.
Find business related Facebook groups and communities
There are dozens and dozens of communities and groups to join and share information about your business. Groups are great for recommendations too.
Get collaborating
Look for relationships with other business who are not in direct competition but sell to the same people as you. This is a great way of sharing costs too.
Write blogs
If you have a website, do you have a blog/news page? Add one and start writing content. This is great for website seo.
Get Testimonials
If you have been doing awesome work throughout this year, get feedback from your clients. You have evidence to share online or off to potential new customers. Great for earning trust and credibility.
Adopt a cause
There are many great causes and organisations that need help. Not just financial, sometimes it's just helping getting the word out there. What are you passionate about outside of your business and how can you help? Share it in your newsletters, your website.
Branding
Is it time to get some vehicle signage? Time to get that t-shirt with your logo? Is your logo on everything from business cards, letterhead, advertising, t-shirts. Make sure it's consistent across everything that you do.
Review your current advertising
What advertising avenues have you pursued – have customers come from these channels? If so, repeat. If not, could you freshen up your advertising? A new image or wording refresh can make a huge difference.
Take a well earned break
You need to recharge those batteries, particularly if you have been working for long periods of time without a break. If you know when your business is going to slow down, take advantage of it and come back re-energised.
We are all bound to experience naturally quiet times within our businesses and we must appreciate and adapt to the natural flows of our business and welcome them. Promoting and marketing your business an essential ongoing process throughout the year. Doing so means that your business is out there and helps attract new customers and win more work from existing ones.
What marketing activity have you done that has helped grow your business during lean times?
Yours socially
Micala