Business Owner Newsletter - 2013 Archive - Page 1

As the end of 2013 draws near, we wanted to take a moment and thank you for allowing us to hear and even participate in your story. Running a small business is not for the faint of heart.  We see the time and energy you devote day in and day out.  We hear the worry along with the excitement for the dream you are bringing to life.  In the middle of all this hard work there are the milestones that really count.  Sure there are the sales goals that you meet, but more important are the customers you help,the employees you empower to create a better life, and the difference you make in a community. Every day you are creating a story that is bigger than we often stop to think about.  

Question: In what ways have distrac.......... Oh, in what ways have distractions kept you from realizing your potential?

It’s December and as a business owner you’re probably in a state of distraction. Those distractions can be fun such as your vacations and holiday parties. They can also be work related as you try to close deals before the end of the year, set goals for next year, and run end of the year processes.   The pressure is on and it’s there not just for you, but for your employees and customers as well. All of this while trying to run the day to day business operations that already occupy at least 40 hours of your week.   

Before jumping into this week's article we wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for making the time to read our thoughts each week.  We know that as business owners you don't have spare time and we truly appreciate every moment that you choose to spend working with us on building your business.  We wish you, your staff, and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

This week we'd like you to set aside all of your doubts and concerns for just a moment and step into the dreaming room with us. Take a moment, stretch your imagination, and think about the customer contact strategy you'd put in place for your customers if time and money were not an issue.  

You probably have some great ideas, but why don't they get implemented?   Because time and money are realities that business owners are constantly balancing against each other. While we like to hear that anything is possible the truth is some things simply are not possible, right now.  

What would your customers say about your customer contact strategy?

This month we're focusing on client contacts and what better place to start than the Holiday cards that will soon be filling up your mail box. Many businesses are rightfully asking: Should we send a holiday card this year? And if so, do we mail it or will an email work just as well?

The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer. Instead of getting caught up in the "do I" or "don't I" battle, focus on the following three questions. Once you're finished, the answer to the original question should be clearer.

All through October we have explored Sales; we have looked at steps you can take to make an immediate impact on your sales, asked the question, "What is the attitude of you and your sales team when interacting with prospects," delved into the importance of developing a hot list and working the plan, and then laid out a call to action challenge.  Now, let's touch on the necessary energy and attitude that projects how you feel about what you are offering.

Last week you read about the Hot List and planning to fail. What did you do with those concepts?  

• Have you formulated a Hot List?
• Are you still planning to fail by failing to plan?
• Have you planned how to contact the list but just haven't had the time?

Whatever your response may have been, it won't change the fact that now is the time to take action. Make one call from your Hot List. Just one. We dare you.

Do you have a plan in place for reaching out to your potential or most likely customers or clients? If not, according to Harvey MacKay, "If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail." When you desire to grow your business, becoming clear on who you intend to reach and how you intend to reach them is of the utmost importance. There is one item that is essential as you plan to grow your sales - a Hot List.