Falling In Love Again....

In a recession we all take steps to cut our spending and often the same rule applies for many businesses. But is this really the best strategy?

With so many companies falling by the wayside, the desire to hold on to what money we have is understandable but not necessarily pragmatic.

Consider the following;

1. Do your clients know that you are still in business?


2. Is there a pool of potential new clients whose normal supplier has gone out of business?


3. Are you fully aware of what your clients need in a recession?


4. Are your staff 'treading water'?


5. Do your clients know what you can offer them?


6. Are you and your staff falling out of love with your business?

How much money might any one of the above be costing your business and what steps could you take to reduce that cost? New business, retained business and lost business all have a monetary value.

Let's explore how to eliminate these costs and keep moving towards maximised productivity and profitability;

Engage with New Clients - Host an open day at your premises.

Publicise what you offer and the level of service you can provide. If not for now, for the future.

Remind lapsed clients you are still in business - Run a workshop to showcase your services.

We all have clients we only work with periodically. If you don't maintain contact with them they might assume that you have 'disappeared' and place their business elsewhere.

'Press the flesh' of existing clients - Organise a seminar with a keynote speaker relevant to your line of business and share some 'free' information.

Show appreication to your existing clients and be sure to 'thank' them for their business. Existing clients are the cheapest audience to market to. Make the most if them.

Interrogate your clients, new and old - A client questionnaire aligned with a free prize draw will increase response levels and provide valuable marketing material.

In times of recession our needs change. Make sure you keep abreast of what your client needs NOW and in the future. The only way to do that is to ask questions.

Re energise your team - a small team building event can clear the air, bring new energy to a team and (if handled correctly) identify some great marketing ideas.

Recession is a difficult time for everyone. Don't allow your staff to think that your business is treading water. This is bad for morale and for business. Maintaining energy within your business is a fundamental part of success.

Educate your clients - Workshops, Seminars & Training sessions can all educate your clients and (with luck) highlight just how much they need your products/services.

Make sure your clients understand what you have to offer. As you introduce new products, services, team members, move premises etc keep you clients informed of what you can provide and how.

Re energise yourself - Providing your business with a target (other than a KPI) can increase energy levels immensely.

Remember that businesses need energy. If you fall out of love with your business, your clients will fall out of love with you. If you lack energy - fake it.