Tool Box
Issue No. 20 - December/January 2005
Quick fixes for a boost in business
by Reg Templer
Everyone wants a miracle or a quick fix for a problem and the hard truth is that in business, there are no miracles. There are however, "quick fixes" that can fix a problem and there are 1,000's of them. Used correctly, low cost tactics can provide a solution for a growing problem. It's just a matter of finding the right ones for the job.
After searching through our business library and a taking a global tour with the experts here are the first 4 lists of 10, in a series of low cost proven tactics to address key business issues.
Gathering Data. (For future planning)
- Look for key items in local newspapers.
- Search via ABS census for population and demographic information.
- Talk to local government.
- Survey clients with a thorough questionnaire.
- Search through the public library.
- Ask small business associations, Business S.A. and similar organisations.
- Survey past customers and competitors’ customers.
- Conduct some focus groups.
- Study customer purchasing patterns.
- .Daily analysis of sales and cross matching them with local daily happenings.
Networking and Self Promotion.
- (Promote & Grow Business.)
- Attend 2 networking functions per week. (See the events section of this publication.)
- Develop a 20 second spiel of what you do and tell everyone who asks.
- Set a goal for each networking meeting. E.g. give and get 10 cards.
- Follow up each contact with a personal letter and build a relationship.
- Build a database of networking contacts and keep in touch.
- Keep other peoples cards and hand them on to you clients.
- Become a really great listener.
- Plan your own networking function or sponsor someone else's.
- Promote your strengths and value everywhere.
- .Form strategic alliances with non-competitive businesses and jointly promote.
<...
