Last week I went shopping and saw a sign in the window: "Going out of business - SALE". This week I noticed a new cardboard headstone "Space For Rent" in my neighborhood. These are results of the same problem... not enough business.

It is great when you can open a business and attract new customers immediately or when your website guarantees you a constant stream of income. But, none of these things simply 'just' happen. Growing you business means self marketing and planning ahead every step of the way. Here are ten strategies to help you attract more business. And the best part: They won't cost you anything!

1. Be a walking example of how effective your product or service is
Let's say you sell beauty products. Make sure your own skin, make up, etc. is perfect whenever you go out for business. If people see how beautiful your products work or look on you they want to buy them. Or, you're a professional organizer. What will people think of you if you're late for a meeting, forgot to bring the promised brochures, and when you open your calendar it looks all chaotic. BE A MODEL for your business.

2. Seek to serve instead of just seeking to sell
What comes around goes around! Helping others to grow their business or supporting them in any way you can will go a long way in growing your own business.

3. Add value by networking all the time
Carry business cards wherever you go. Networking opportunities are everywhere: at the supermarket, the doctor's office, even at the playground. I know that for a fact! When someone asks you what you do, give them a card. You want them to be able to hear and see the name of your company. You would be surprised how often business cards will be passed around and/or turn up months later. Also, find out how you can help. What does that person need? Whom do you know who could help? BE A MATCHMAKER every single day.

4. Sell the benefits, not the features
Nobody buys features anymore. People buy what those features will do for them. Everyone hates to buy insurances, so why are so many sold? Simply because of what insurances will do for you. So, know your benefits and practice your elevator speech.

5. Add value to your potential customers by expanding their professional vision and goals
People appreciate it when they feel that you understand their business needs and you're able to provide creative ideas that will help them to realize or even expand their vision and goals. Go on an exploratory journey with your potential customer.

6. Follow up, follow up, follow up
The secret of keeping your current customers is to show interest. Add value to your customers by making sure they're making the best use of your product or service. Let them know that you have their business at heart, that their success is your success. Show them that YOU CARE!

7. Turn your customers into your company's research and development department
It is of much more value to you to find out why people buy your product or service instead of focusing on why certain people aren't interested. Ask your customers why they buy your products and service and use this information to improve your marketing and refine your value proposition.

8. Improve your communication skills and be an active listener
Take time to listen to your clients, prospects, and business partners; listen carefully - do not let your mind wander during the listening process. Never make any assumptions. Take time to find out the real motives and emotions, perceived and real problems. If you can relate to people they want to be around you.

9. Learn from people who are naturally attractive
Some people are; some people aren't. Spend time with those who are and emulate them; ask them for help. They will be happy to tell you how it works. Just be ready to make changes in your thinking, actions, and behavior.

10. Strengthen your personal finances, so you don't need the money anymore
When you feel financially secured you will become an even stronger magnet for attracting new business - because you don't necessarily need it anymore. (Please see my book recommendation below.)

To improve your business, challenge yourself! Pick one of the 10 strategies described above, the one where you seem to struggle the most. Then, see if you can implement this strategy in the way you do business.

Please feel free to share your successes with me - and any questions about how to grow your business. You can reach me at petraj@creativepartner.com

More information about creative partner and coaching

Use your website as a 24 hour marketing brochure of your business. Make sure that the content of your site puts forth the image you want to present. A nicely designed website with useful, informative content is a great promotional ambassador.

 

How to set boundaries and say NO!
- Group coaching via teleclass -

Do you have a hard time standing up for yourself? Do you tolerate inappropriate comments or annoying people because you can't handle conflict? Do you feel obligated to be there for your family all the time, used by your boss, or taken advantage of by your client? Do you agree to do things when you really don't want to do them? I am sure you can identify with at least one of the scenarios.

In this 90-minute coaching group you'll learn how to set stronger boundaries and say NO by taking personal responsibility to improve your life. It's up to you what other people can or cannot do to you. It's your choice to say NO!

Date: Thursday, May 10 2007
Time: 12.00 - 1.30pm PST
Location: Teleclass via bridge line
Cost: $49.00

To sign up for this class send an email to petraj@creativepartner.com with 'signup_tc_boundaries' in the subject line. We'll contact you to confirm your space in class.

>> Participants say...

"Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls."

~ by Joseph Campbell

 

Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
by Robert T. Kiyosaki, Sharon L. Lechter

Description:
Rich Dad, Poor Dad chronicles the story of the authors two dads, his own father, who wa the superintendent of education in Hawaii and who ended up dying penniless and his best friends father who dropped out of school at age 13 and went on to become one of the wealthiest men in Hawaii. Kiyosaki uses the story of these two men and their varying financial strategies to illustrate the need for a new financial paradigm in order to achieve financial success in the new millennium.

Tell me more about this book

Further book recommendations

The Secret

Description:

The Secret is released to the world! This ground- breaking feature length movie presentation reveals The Great Secret of the universe. It has been passed throughout the ages, traveling through centuries... to reach you, mankind, and humankind.

This is The Secret to everything - the secret to unlimited joy, health, money, relationships, love, youth: everything you have ever wanted.

In this astonishing program are ALL the resources you will ever need to understand and live The Secret. For the first time in history, the world's leading scientists, authors, and philosophers will reveal The Secret that utterly transformed the lives of every person who ever knew it... Plato, Newton, Carnegie, Beethoven, Shakespeare, Einstein.

Now YOU will know The Secret. And it could change your life forever.

Tell me more about 'The Secret'

email: petraj@creativepartner.com

phone: (408) 871-8100

web: http://www.creativepartner.com