21 Ways To Get New Customers In A Slow Economy

[Evan]

This was a popular article in my newsletter and I thought I would share it with you:

http://www.evancarmichael.com/Productiv ... onomy.html

--- Increase your Opportunities ---
1. Have more face to face visits with your clients.
2. Be willing to go see people to ensure that you’re taking care of them properly.
3. Be willing to go see even the “small” clients (other opportunities do exist).
4. Follow up during and after the work is complete or product is sold.
5. Ask for referrals.
6. Become a member of a networking organization.
7. Cold call on companies while out visiting face-to-face with your clients.
8. Write a plan of action to create more opportunities.

--- Manage Your Sales Leads Better ---
9. Call clients and customers back promptly.
10. Get a history of your leads when able.
11. Confirm appointments (it’s the professional).
12. Present in person (situational).
13. Make sure you understand who the decision makers are and the best way to close the sale.
14. Have referral letters, references and customer service surveys to show client.
15. If the sale is not closed immediately, ask for a best time and day to follow up (then do it).

--- Take Control Over What You Can Control ---
16. Control your mindset - stay positive and focused.
17. Over-deliver on presentation, customer service and gratitude.
18. Be creative in your sales presentation, lead generation and follow-up.
19. Manage your day to be more productive.
20. Learn more about personality and how to get along with a wider scope of people.
21. Have written goals and an action plan to achieve them.

Good luck growing your businesses! I hope these tips help!

[GT Bulmer]

Hi, Evan:

Thanks for posting these 21 Ways! Every entrepreneur should be able to find some relative points of interest and inspiration in this list.

In particular, I like:

4. Follow up during and after the work is complete or product is sold.

13. Make sure you understand who the decision makers are and the best way to close the sale.

20. Learn more about personality and how to get along with a wider scope of people.

Each of these require the entrepreneur to either out in extra effort or go the extra mile in some way, and the willingness to do that is what helps to set the winners apart from the whiners.

GT

[MichelleJ]

Hi Evan

Some great tips there to help us all. I have printed them out and stuck them up above my computer to keep reminding me of what I need to focus on.

Thank you
MichelleJ

[Mal Tindle]

Hi Evan,

Thanks for the post and the list. It certainly helps to remind ourselves of our daily tasks which help to prioritise what we need to do to be successful

Your list will help me and I'm sure others to remember how important discipline and time management are to our long term plans,

best wishes,

Mal.

[EMMANUEL]

Thanks Evan,
Your ideas are full of wisdom required for a time like this.

I`ll like to add another idea to your list : Update your Knowledge and Sharpen your Skill on a daily basis.
The economy may be considered slow,but customer awareness is on the increase,therefore,if the pocket (disposable income) of the proposed new customer is of any interest to you,then you must stay ahead by at least one step in your skill and knowledge.

The 21 ways as listed by Evan is a sure way to increase in knowledge and sharpen you skill.

[JMelillo Coaching]

This was a popular article in my newsletter and I thought I would share it with you:

http://www.evancarmichael.com/Productiv ... onomy.html

--- Take Control Over What You Can Control ---
16. Control your mindset - stay positive and focused.
17. Over-deliver on presentation, customer service and gratitude.
18. Be creative in your sales presentation, lead generation and follow-up.
19. Manage your day to be more productive.
20. Learn more about personality and how to get along with a wider scope of people.
21. Have written goals and an action plan to achieve them.

Good luck growing your businesses! I hope these tips help!

This is great! I really like "16. Control your mindset." What often times happens during slower economic times, is that we begin to act from a place of lack or need (or greed even, simply because of that fear) versus a place of giving. People sense this and avoid you. So changing the mindset is important. I have an article here: Economic Problems and Facing Our Fears http://www.trans4mind.com/counterpoint/ ... illo.shtml

Also number 20 is so important! Has anyone here taken the Myers-Briggs? I am not a fan of that particular system, but it's a great starting point. I'm an ENFP. I've studied personality type compatibility (using other more recent systems currently popular in the rest of the world) for about 5 years and it's fascinating! If anyone knows their type, I can give you a list of your most compatible 4 types for business or personal life. (I recently married my best type in fact!) Simply makes it easier to communicate with your more compatible personalities, as your natural thinking/living/working styles work SO well together.

Sorry for the ramble, but I get excited about that topic! Great article, and thanks for posting it.