Staying in Business in a Slow Economy
In a recession, sales are collapsing anywhere you look. Business owners are all complaining how difficult it is to make a sale. Well, that is not something new or something surprising in today’s market condition. With almost all sales professionals trying to stay on top of the situation, it’s typical to see a business or two giving up in the middle of it all.
So what could you do in an economy that is starting to hit the brakes? How can you get more sales despite the weak economy?
1. Market!
Even if other businesses are slowing down in their marketing activities, you should just go with the flow and cut on your marketing campaign as well. Today more than ever is the best time to promote your business and tell people what they can benefit from your offerings. Offering something valuable to your customers, something they can’t get from other businesses. Get your business cards working. Attend networking events, conferences, trade shows, and other business gatherings. That is a big opportunity for you to showcase your business.
2. Stay away from insignificant activities.
Many business owners would tell you that in times of economic downturn you need to increase your appointments and give more presentations. You need to also follow up on previous customers who didn’t buy anything from you yet. There’s nothing wrong with doing that, but perhaps it would be more profitable is your focus your activities on those that produce results. Reevaluate your opportunities by answering these questions:
• What compelling reasons have you provided your prospects to buy your product?
• Why should your prospects buy from you?
• Why should they purchase now?
It’s actually about giving your customers a reason to buy from you. Focus on that and you can create profitable marketing activities that produce results.
3. Make every conversation count.
It’s important to save all your energy in conversations that are sure to give you a positive outcome. With people getting picker these days, you need to be able to carry out meaningful conversations with your prospects. Don’t ask or tell them details and information they already know. And don’t try to start your conversation with your business card, unless they specifically asked for it. Keep in mind that you are trying to get their attention, and a recycled sales pitch or a poor looking card made from unattractive business card templates won’t do the job for you. If they see that you are just trying to sell them something, they would immediately turn a cold shoulder on you.
So instead of talking about your business, your products, and your mission and vision, talk about your prospects. Communicate to them in their terms because unless they are engaged in the conversation they won’t bother listening to what you are talking about.
Be sure that you are ready to strike a meaningful conversation before you pick up the phone or talk in person to your prospect. Remember that it’s hard to convince someone these days let alone get a second chance to impress them, so make sure every conversation counts.
Remember that no matter how slow the economy is people still have to buy goods. The only difference now is they will be more cautious on where they spend their money. So, make sure that you are on top of their list when they are ready to buy.
This writing provides guidelines to the readers about how to advance your business creatively by strong and appealing business cards.
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