Three ways to generate new businessOne of
biggest challenges for small business owners is finding a fast, effective way to bring in new customers. That’s because most owners must wear several hats – bookkeeper, technical support representative, human resources manager and marketer. And, of course, owners must provide quality goods or services. Finding time to market can be especially difficult if you are a one- or two-person operation.
The reality is that spending time to market is essential to maintaining or growing a business. It helps you avoid one of biggest pitfalls in small business: relying on a big client or two for lion’s share of your company’s revenue.
Two things often happen in this scenario. First, business tend to provide preferential treatment to older, bigger client rather than to smaller, new client, which may cost some business. Secondly, businesses find themselves in a tenuous position by putting most of their eggs in one basket. If primary client leaves, company could be economically devastated.
A healthy company always has new clients coming in door as well as happy existing clients. You can rely on word of mouth to get those new clients on board, but usually it’s not enough. Here are three tips to help you stay on top of marketing efforts.
Get organized. Hire someone to create a database of that huge stack of business cards that you’ve been keeping in your top desk drawer. Make sure it’s a database you can easily use for emails or mailings – like your Microsoft Outlook contacts or ACT! Having all your potential customers at your fingertips is money well spent.
Once you have all your contacts input, you can send targeted e-mails or letters to your potential clients. Make messages short and sweet, as well as informative. People look forward to getting valuable information, so give it to them. Follow up with a phone call to find out if information was helpful and if your company can provide goods or services.
