Here are 5 ways to help you manage your business when times get tough. The biggest thing to remember, there are often new opportunities that will come from this. Stay focused on the positives, and you may find yourself stronger than before.
1. COMMUNICATE TO ALL YOUR PAST CLIENTS AND PROSPECTS
Right now is the time to rely on the relationships you have already built. Do not use this time to try and SELL them something. Just reach out with an email, text or better yet a phone call. Letting your customers and prospects know how much you have enjoyed serving them and ask if THEY need anything. Retention is key. And they will send you new customers because they know, like and trust you already.
2. BE HIGHLY VISIBLE
You know that smart phone in your pocket? Yeah, well it is a TV station, Radio station and 24 hours news cycle machine. So use it to make your own news. Make quick little videos about the areas of town you are working in, or create HOW TO videos that teach your customers and community how to clean something. They will call you anyway once they realize they can’t/don’t want to do what you do.
3. DO NOT STOP MARKETING
Right now, you may be thinking, but if no one is buying, why keep marketing. Market share is the name of the game. Look, in any downturn, there are winners and losers. You know the dozen low ballers in your area that steal work because they are so cheap. Well, low profits mean they could go out of business first. By keeping your marketing machine going, you can increase market share.
4. TIME TO GET CREATIVE
In down times, creativity can be your biggest asset. As business slows, you now can stop and assess the market place for hidden gems of revenue. Maybe you can bundle some services that provide a greater perception of value. Look for ways to collaborate with companies outside of your industry to try new and unique ways to stay top of mind.
5. HAVE A WRITTEN STRATEGY
Now is NOT the time to fly by the seat of your pants. Get a written strategy of the ideas you will work on and what you are going to do each day. Think of “time to make the donuts” commercial from the 80’s. Stick to a disciplined schedule and check list. Promoting your business is NEVER a “get around to it” activity. Work your jobs around your sales and marketing efforts.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: https://adage.com/article/opinion/recession-reinvention-5-ways-win-a-downturn/315187