Thursday, September 6, 2012

Back to School means Back to Business!

Hello everyone!  Summer is winding down and the addition of school buses has added to the traffic out there!  Nothing is a more poignant reminder of Summer's end than sitting for 20 minutes just to get through one intersection on Route 1!

But something good comes from all this traffic and from this time of year.  People are tanned, rested and ready to hit the ground running!  It's the end of the heatwaves, leaves start turning colors, football begins and our utility bills go down. (for now!)

So here's what to do:

1. Send out a blast to all your past, present and potential clients that wishes them well and offers your products and services.  It's a numbers game, so the more you reach out, the more hits you will get.  My Summer blast yielded me 5 happy clients who took advantage of 1 great special.  That's $3750 I would not have had this Summer.  Not too shabby.

2. Review your goals from the beginning of the year and set a goal for the Fall.  Determine what successes and failures you had earlier in the year and base your Fall goal on learning from the failures and building on the successes.  For example, my Business Start-Up promotion did not work but my Social Media Package did.  I realize the errors I made in the Start-Up promotion and will no longer promote that to existing business contacts. (I realize the irony of sending a start-up offer to an existing business, but I thought I would reach companies who were starting a new division or opening a new location, etc.. I was wrong.)  The Social Media package was a big success, so I will spread that word to more businesses.

3. NETWORK!  Join a chamber of commerce, networking group, business association or meetup group and attend functions.  You will meet potential clients or individuals who can refer potential clients.  Nobody is buying in your office.  Get out there and press the flesh!

4. Re-educate yourself.  Go online and research the latest trends and developments in your industry.  Learn how the latest technologies can help you streamline your efforts and garner the highest output within your work hours.

5. Find time to relax.  Find time for you.  A quick walk, time outside on a park bench or even a moment in a quiet corner meditating will help you decompress, find your center and focus.

I wish you every success 'til next time!
-Pete