No matter what stage your small business is in, one thing is for sure: money matters! If you are in a slump,
fastest way to jump-start your sales is to reach out and touch as many people as possible using your unique talents and gifts. These ten tips will guide you to maximizing profits from your small business while becoming a biz expert one day at a time. 1. Choose your words with care.
Each time you speak, you have
chance to make or break your business. Use active sentences that speak confidence: "We need to fix this today," and use tones that are neutral (avoid talking too loudly, too quickly, too softly, or too slowly).
2. Consider using kids as marketing consultants.
Children have a natural tendency to think outside of
box, and they can be an asset for entrepreneurs trying to reach a booming, growing market.
3. Build lasting relationships.
Communicate with your customers even when you are not trying to sell them something. Send handwritten congratulatory notes, give gifts as a follow-up to a sale or referral, personalize e-mails and faxes to existing clients, and incorporate "little acts of kindness" into your daily business routine.
4. Make small talk.
Ask open-ended questions, and remember to listen closely. Decide who your best prospects are, where you will find them, and go where they are: meetings, committees,
local coffee shop,
circus,
university campus, or a shopping plaza.
5. Know your birth order.
Did you know that whether you are
youngest, oldest, or middle in your birth order can influence how you run your business? Research shows that first-borns are often conscientious, obedient, and hard-driving. Later-borns are often more flexible, innovative, laid-back, and social. Middle-borns are often negotiators, supportive, hardworking, and love to please.