I use a service called SendOutCards for mailing handwritten postcards and greeting cards and will be taking full advantage of the convenience and cost savings for my holiday mailings.
I know the post office isn't perfect and things get "lost in the mail" sometimes, but it has come to my attention that there are other reasons: Click here to learn more.
Please shared this valuable information and let me know if you need any help in getting your holiday mailing out this season!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Patti Glick
Hand to Hand Contact
“Helping Caring Professionals Stay in Touch"
Office: 408.865.1244
Cell: 408.406.6158
Dec 31, 2008
Business Survival in a Tough Economic Climate
Everywhere you turn you hear people talking about "THE RECESSION". Is it real? Sure... but how you decide to respond determines if your business will or will not survive or perhaps even thrive!
If every cloud has a silver lining, then imagine the silver lining of the recession implores business owners to re-evaluate how business is operated. Consider the areas that follow and implement the appropriate actions that will help to secure a foothold in the marketplace now and in years to come.
Attitude: If you watch how other business owners react, some businesses will fade away, while others will become more visible than ever before. We are always at choice about what we think and how we behave. One way of looking at the current situation is: "No one has money to buy what I offer" or "I better cut back on my expenses and tighten the belt". The flip side would be: "My services and products are in demand" and "My income increases to cover my expenses". These thoughts represent two sides of the same coin, but the outcomes will be very different.
Cash Flow: Take some time to evaluate the current financial health of your business. Make sure you know what your breakeven point is and if you are hitting your financial goals. Look at where you can trim frivolous expenditures and create a budget. Review how you do business to see what value-added service you can offer or if you can expand or improve your product offering. Make it easier for customers to do business with you by offering payment plans, taking credit cards, or other incentives for future repeat business.
Marketing: Consider increasing your marketing efforts by showing up at networking events, contacting your customers by phone, email, newsletters, flyers, and personal notes or cards. All of these marketing efforts are investments in the present and ultimately the future of your business. The smart business owner recognizes that this is the BEST time to stand out from the competition. Services and products will still be needed so by remaining or becoming more visible. Doing so makes it easy and convenient for the consumer to reach out to the name or business they are familiar with -- whether they have used their products or services previously or not.
Time Management: Determine how you invest your time and how it impacts your bottom line. Leverage your time by delegating to others or outsource tasks so that your time is freed up to focus on income producing activities. Evaluate where most of your business comes from (referrals, networking, advertising, etc.) and direct your efforts and energy in those directions. Block off time for personal development and growth by taking courses, reading books, or attending seminars and put what you learn into action.
Business Relationships: Stay in touch with existing clients on a regular basis to show appreciation, offer resources, and provide helpful tips without selling anything. Solicit feedback to find why they bought from you, what they liked, and what areas could be improved upon. Ask for referrals from people who already know, like, and trust you such as clients, vendors, or business associates. Reward and thank those who refer their family, friends, co-workers, and clients. Find out how you can support other business owners or vendors and do so generously.
This economic climate won't last forever. As long as you maintain or develop a positive attitude, be smart about your expenditures, increase your marketing efforts, become more efficient with your time, and deepen your relationships with your customers, vendors, and referral sources, you'll come out on top. Each action taken is an investment in the present and ultimately in the future of your business. Grow, survive, or fail -- the choice is up to you!
Oct 11, 2008
Business Economic Survival Skills
Have you already paid for memberships with the chamber, eWomen, BNI, or service groups like Rotary, Lyons, etc.? Do you attend regularly? This may seem obvious, but being a member isn't enough. You have to take action by showing up -- and showing up consistently.
Times are challenging in this economy, but it is NOT the time to go off and lick your wounds. Turn up the volume on your marketing efforts by being visible, nurturing existing relationships, and forging new ones by attending events sponsored by those memberships -- then follow up.
HOW you show up also matters. Yes, we are in the midst of economic challenges, but participating in negative discussions doesn't help, so put a smile on your face and be positive. This costs you nothing and people will enjoy talking with you. Afterwards, follow-up by shooting off an email, scheduling time to meet for coffee or chatting on the phone, or take a moment to send a card.
People like doing business with people they know, like, and trust. When our economic situation turns around, who are they going to think of? YOU!! In the meantime show up and be positive because: what you do today, will pay off tomorrow.
For follow-up card ideas, call 408.865.1244 or send email .
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