Ten Key Tools A Small Business Needs To Succeed
Times are tough right now, no doubt about that. People are feeling the crunch and many businesses are, too. Some are pulling back, some are shutting their doors. But this cloud has a silver lining and it’s called – “opportunity.”
A window has opened and NOW is the time for businesses to become creative and take deliberate steps to ensure their success.
Jim Tracy, President and Founder, America’s Best Companies joins us to reveal simple ways to help your business remain competitive in today’s marketplace. Jim goes over the necessary strategies to help a small businesses achieve success – especially during these hard economic times.
So what does Jim suggest? Here is a peek:
- “What can I do for you?” — Just ask your customers this question. One well known organization increased their sales by over a billion dollars simply by asking, “Can I supersize that for you?” If they didn’t ask, you wouldn’t have supersized.
- Form a mastermind group – There are many businesses that have survived past economic downturns and they have advice to share. Form a mastermind group with several of these local small business owners and meet over coffee once a month. Share ideas, network and educate one another.
- Become known within your community — Participate in local parades, become involved in your children’s activities like boy/girl scouts and schools – participate in speaking engagements.
- Distribute a newsletter – Share updates, offer promotions, send reminders and speak directly to your customers while keeping your business top-of-mind for them.
- Every business should have a website – From the mom and pop pizza shop, to the hair salon owner, to the electrician and so on. If you want to attract anyone under 30-45 years old to your business, you MUST have a website.
Opportunities abound and Jim provides many of the key steps to take advantage of these opportunistic times to ensure your businesses survival and continued success.
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December 17th, 2008 at 6:30 am
“Can I supersize that for you?” – What company is that Jim? Sounds interesting!
December 18th, 2008 at 1:38 am
Bianca Aquino: I think Jim Tracy is referring to McDonalds. After you have placed your order, they ask if you want to have a bigger meal, paying only a bit extra.
Jim Tracy: I am interested to hear more about your organization. I have long-range plans to establish myself and my company on the North American market.
December 18th, 2008 at 3:19 am
Ooh. So that was it, Martin? Thanks for pointing that out to me. It really made me think.
December 18th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Having a website for your business is one of those things that seams so simple but a lot of businesses overlook the opportunities it can produce. I have often looked up local businesses online and couldn’t find a website for more info. Needless to say, I usually pass that business by and go for another business that I can find info online for. If you are a small business with no website, you’re missing out on generating new customers and opportunities.
December 18th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
In addition Amanda, building your own website is one of the cost effective and powerful means to promote your business and branding your business. Just imagine how powerful getting an online presence is that you are able to reach people halfway around the world with a lower cost.
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:48 am
Building a website is just the first step. But what’s important is that your website can be found by potential customers.
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:29 am
Definitely! That is where SEO and Effective Marketing comes in.
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
“Every business should have a website – From the mom and pop pizza shop, to the hair salon owner, to the electrician and so on. If you want to attract anyone under 30-45 years old to your business, you MUST have a website.”
I agree with this especially to my fellow generation every single thing we want to know, we want it online!
January 9th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
“Every business should have a website” – More importantly, every business should have a website that is both visible and effective. To generate significant revenue for a business, a website must be easily found in search engines and must turn site visitors into conversions, or customers.