© 2008 Dream Merchant • 2309 Torrance Blvd. #104, Torrance, CA 90501 (310) 328-1925 email: Jkm316@aol.com
Need More Business? Here Are a Few Methods to Consider.
By Jeffrey Dobkin
If you'd like to increase your business, don't panic. There are many ways to attract more customers
CREATE A SIGN
If you're in a service business and your market is homeowners, a sign can account for bringing in a bout 25 percent of your business. Just as realtors and roofers place their sign in front of houses, you can too. Have several signs made up at sign shop. Don't be cheap--they're an immediate impression of you and your company, so make them outstanding. State clearly what service you offer, and have a large telephone number. if you offer free estimates, state that, too. Use reflective paint and increase your visibility into the night.
Ask friends if you can place a sign in front of their house for a month. Place one in front of your house, too. At least until that neighbor that never liked you complains and the cops ask you to take it down.
If you can place about a half-dozen signs, I guarantee you'll get more business--way more business--than the signs cost. The results are immediate.
MAIL TO YOUR HOUSE LIST
Names and addresses of people who have bought from you, shopped at your store, sent for your merchandise through the mail, or given you business in some way are all members of an elite group--your house file of customers. These people are your most likely prospects for doing business with you again, if only you'd entice them with a nice offer.
Especially great prospects are those that have purchased from you two or more times. They like your products or services--they've proven that by coming back. You don't have to sell them on anything--they already know where your store is, and the quality of your merchandise or workmanship. Why don't you drop them a nice note?
Maybe something like this: "Just going through my files and I saw your name. I wanted to thank you for all the business you've given me in the past. I appreciate it, and I thought you'd like to know." They'll get the idea.
SEND CUSTOMERS A GIFT CERTIFICATE
Gift certificates are cheap to print, inexpensive to send through the mail, and always a delight to receive. Don't give away the store, but make sure it's of good and significant value. Include a letter of thanks for past business.
WRITE A PRESS RELEASE
The most effective you can be in marketing is with a single sheet of paper. Yes, you've read that correctly. You can be most effective with a single sheet of paper. Write a press release and send it. If you don't know how to write a release, see the first chapter of my book, HOW TO MARKET A PRODUCT FOR UNDER $500.
GO TO NETWORKING EVENTS
Networking can be a viable source of immediate business. Section out events where your products or services are most likely to be needed...and go. Business events are held every month by most local chambers of commerce. Don't forget civic groups like the Lion's Clubs, Optimists and Rotarians.
Take lots of business cards. When you're there, don't get bogged down speaking to one person for a long time--even if they seem interested in what you're selling. Your function at a networking event is to meet as many qualified prospects as you can. When you speak with someone, first (and fast) qualify their interest and their candidacy, then get their business card, then move on to the next person. Would you rather go back to the office with one good lead that may or may not pan out, or a dozen?
Follow up every single lead you get at a meeting with a letter. New prospects may not need your services right now, and if your business card is one of a pack of two dozen, it'll get tossed out. But they'll file a letter for future reference.
GO TO THE LIBRARY
Look up books specifically on your business. Take about ten or twelve books back to a comfortable table, and scan the better ones. Read the marketing section of each. The different books will provide you with a handful of new ideas that you can test out immediately.
Look up books on marketing and sales, too. Same procedure--scan the better ones for immediate and practical ideas you can put into practice right away. Don't forget to ask for and read HOW TO MARKET A PRODUCT FOR UNDER $500. It's the best book I've written, and full of great ideas. I've never been to a library when I didn't get something great out of it.
NEXT ISSUE: More Ways to Get Business.
Jeffrey Dobkin is a speaker, direct mail copywriter, and marketing consultant. His book, HOW TO MARKET A PRODUCT FOR UNDER $500, is available from
Danielle Adams Publishing Company Box 100 Merion Station, PA 19066
Previous Index
Idea Help
Next
