8 Quick Ways to Increase Your Business
Joining forces with a similar business places you in a wider arena. You can strategically target your desired customer base and generate leads as well. Reach out to the business partners in your field. It's very likely a partnership is a win-win for both parties.
Think about it: wedding planners need photographers, web integrators need copywriters, and financial planners need mortgage companies. No business functions in a vacuum. Networking with others can provide useful opportunities to increase your business prospects.
Conduct seminars & workshops
Presenting a workshop that enables you to educate others can uncover business leads and bring in new clients. B2B marketers and many other professionals can benefit by presenting at trade shows and industry events.
For example, a software company specializing in payroll systems could greatly benefit when its staff conducts a workshop at an industry trade show or event. Being the presenter can put them in line with a new account from a school district, employment agency or other end user unique to a particular field.
Offer discounts
Offering discounts is a great way to drum up business. Especially in a bad economy, people shop around more for the best deals and offers. Run coupons in papers as well as online for discounts on your products and services. A little good-will goes a long way.
Freebies & giveaways
Throw in freebies whenever you can, too. Keychains and calendars containing your 800-number can get your name out there. Pens, coffee mugs, and such items go a long way in providing advertising and creating satisfied customers. Promotional items also work to keep your name and number fresh in the minds of existing clients.
Set goals and benchmarks
If you don't have one already, create a strategic plan. Such documents function as the guiding force behind many agencies and corporations. It defines the company's mission and establishes goals and a timeline for meeting them.
You can increase your business by becoming better at whatever it is you do. Having a framework for looking at what you do and where you want to go, will help drive your success.
Don't ignore face-to-face communication
Attend as many functions as possible. If you are the owner of a business, meet the people who help your company run effectively. Don't let any chance to meet with your public slip by so that you can put a face to your voice. Mingling with those in your industry can foster opportunities to increase business.
Get your name out there
Create an effective marketing strategy. Brand loyalty doesn't happen overnight, so begin to uniquely brand your business and you will set the stage for long-term results and company security.
A good place to start is having a visible logo or phone number. Unique vanity numbers enable people to remember your business. Consumers will likely choose your company over a seemingly nondescript or unprofessional one.
Look at pricing strategy and your product line
Some of the ways to increase business occurs by taking risks. Embark on a new marketing strategy for your company. If you have already branded your company successfully, widening your marketing plan won't be that hard.
Offer similar products with a better pricing strategy than your competition. Consider how Dunkin' Donuts has focused on their affordable coffee to edge out Starbucks. If the company chose to simply focus on their donuts and munchkins forever, they would not be where they are today. Instead, Dunkaccinos, Lattes and Coolattas are keeping "America running" on Dunkin. It's all about brand loyalty and great pricing.