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There are countless manuals available to show you how to market your business... but realistically, you only have a limited amount of time you can devote to really reading and absorbing
information. You might choose to purchase a number of manuals, but select one of them and resolve to seriously study material -- then take *action* on what you learn.
~5. Try to turn customers into *repeat* customers. What ideas do you have for a complementary product? It's easier to sell to a happy customer than it is to sell to someone who's never had any experience with your products before. Let your existing customers know about your new products.
If you sell services, be sure to touch base with your customers every so often -- remind them that you're still around and available for work. You can even offer incentives or discounts for next time they use your services.
Keeping customers happy is obviously important if you're planning on building a viable long-term business. Happy customers can turn into both repeat customers as well as a source of referral business. But no matter how hard you try, you will never make everyone happy -- so don't fall into trap of spending so much time and effort with one customer that you alienate or ignore rest.
~6. Form new partnerships in areas you've never considered before. Perhaps you've always targeted a certain type of business with which to form joint ventures. For example, someone who sells a fitness tape might have always approached weight-loss sites with partnership proposals. Instead, try to think of other markets that could also use your product. In above example, new moms who are trying to become active again might appreciate a fitness tape. Or how about stressed-out corporate 'worker bees' who need a way to relax?
~7. Build for future. How can you attract more customers? Is your customer service up to par? How can you use your current customer base to expand your profits? Concentrate on methods that allow you to build a business relationship with your customers -- a common example is to publish a quality newsletter to help you stay in touch, build credibility, and help to keep your business near forefront of your readers' thoughts.
Vincent Van Gogh once said, "Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together." Keep working towards your business goals, little by little. It's only way to get there!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Angela is the editor of Online Business Basics, a practical guide for beginners to the 'net. Packed with instantly usable tips, you'll love its focus on effective fr*e and low-cost marketing methods, specifically chosen for people operating on shoestring budgets! Get the details here: http://onlinebusinessbasics.com/article.html
