It's a strange anomaly.
Most people who set out to start their own business, no matter what type, build it for failure, not success.
Crazy isn't it? But true.
The saddest part in all this, is that they don't even know that they are destined for failure long before their dreams shatter and break apart.
Statistics tell us that within 5 years of start up 90% of all small business will go under.
My personal experience shows me that 98% of all home based business will do the same.
Why?
Because they lack the fundamental skills, education and development to plan ahead, foresee the pitfalls, and capitalise on gains.
Here is a key secret to business success. It's "Easy to Do", it's also "Easy not to Do."
That applies to everything. It's easy to do a business plan. It's also easy not to do one.
It's easy to create a marketing plan, but it's also easy not to create one.
It's easy to pick up the phone and call a new potential customer; it's also easy not to do it.
That one thing will determine your success, or measure your failure.
However, on a brighter side, there are three specific things that you must focus on doing if your want to develop a powerhouse and dynamic business in 2002.
Those three things are:
1. Get potential customers to your business.
2. Get those same people to come back.
3. Get them to refer their friends, family and associates.
Sounds simple doesn't it?
It's easy to do, it's also easy not to do. And if you're not consciously aware of this business reality, you're probably not doing these three things.
Let's look at them.
1. Get potential customers to your business.
It does not matter what your business, your product, or your services. Whether you are online or off-line makes no difference. You absolutely must focus 50% of your time and energy on gaining new customer enquires. (Initially 80% if you are just starting)
Use every method available to you. Utilise every single resource. Study and learn what it takes to get people to call you, or visit your Website, or mail you a form.
I know I'm pointing out the obvious, but if your head is stuck in product development, or management and accounting you won't be able to see the trees from the forest.
Customers are your lifeblood. They are your bread and butter. They represent every reason why you go into business in the first place - to make money.
So get them and get them quick.
2. Get those same people to come back.
It's a proven fact that most people will not buy from you on their first contact. There are no exceptions to this rule. A prospective customer must have exposure to your business an average of 5 - 8 times (depending on your products and services) before they will even contact you.
The world of professional selling tells us that most sales closes take place on the 7th contact.
What does this tell you?
If you work so hard at getting new people to your business front, but then not getting them to come back - you're building for failure.
Don't do it!
Stop right now and look at your sales systems. Do they make allowances for automatic or semi-automatic follow up? Do you offer Auto responders from your Website? Do you have an off-line sales letter follow up plan. Do you use contact management software so that you don't loose track of potential customers?
Why do you think the Pro's in your industry are the top income earners? Think about that. They keep in touch with people.
3. Get them to refer their friends, family and associates.
This is the cream of the crop.
When you set out in your business, you must focus 80% of your time on getting new contacts. As your business develops, you must then change that focus to 80% gaining referrals.
Referrals are the sweetest prospective customers of all. They are already pre-qualified. They already want what you have to offer.
And you don't have to spend a cent getting them!
If your business is online, you can do this with a simple, click and refer a friend script. If you're not on the web, you can do this by using a business card referral system.
But even more - are you ready for the kicker?
You must ASK people for their referrals!
When you've got a great product and a great service, it fantastic. But there is really no point in working really hard to get a brand new fresh customer at great expense when all you have to do is ASK your existing customers for a few referrals.
Don't be shy. You ask, and most of them will happily give.
It's that easy. Easy to do, easy not to do.
Can you see the pattern developing here, the difference between success and failure, those that do and those that don't?
All these things are easy to do. They are, really. But most people opt for the easier choice - not to do.
The choice is yours. Build your business for success in 2005 with qualified customer flow and you will reap the rewards.
Paul Barrs. (c) 2005
Paul Barrs is the creator of "The Complete Guide to Home Business Success", as well as being a professional speaker, trainer and presenter. To order for the The Complete Guide ($1 Trial) Home Business Success: http://www.paulbarrs.com/iscript.php?13_a3992_74
elite cleaning services Mundelein ..Everyone wants to succeed in life. Most people want to... Read More
As the owner or an employee of a small-to medium-sized... Read More
Are you a small business owner who wants to expand... Read More
The challenges of the small business owner are well documented.... Read More
What is a Family Business? A family business is basically... Read More
$elling $elling $ellingWhat makes a great sales person? Well, the... Read More
Here are some useful tips on how to select a... Read More
Did you ever have one of those days or weeks... Read More
Franchising Directory Sites-Paid Advertising, Lead Generation for FranchisingFranchising Directory Sites... Read More
The revenue history is a vital piece of your power... Read More
"What do you do?" It just might be one of... Read More
The following tips have come from a wide variety of... Read More
It's Monday morning and Connie the Consultant sits in her... Read More
If you plan to upgrade your workshop into an Authorized... Read More
Cleaning concrete is tough and there is an easy way... Read More
Success is the desire of everyman on the face of... Read More
Why does consistency in the message have an effect on... Read More
That's right ? are you making enough mistakes in your... Read More
Outsourcing is the strategic use of outside resources to perform... Read More
Tammy, a skilled and gifted horticulturist, called me to discuss... Read More
CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR INTERN: Specify the number of hours the... Read More
Why are we over regulation the franchising industry, what purpose... Read More
Since you own a business you probably have liability insurance... Read More
If you own a small business, then you know the... Read More
What are the 5 best ways to gain new contacts?There... Read More
Airbnb cleaning service Mundelein ..Franchising Directory Sites-Paid Advertising, Lead Generation for FranchisingFranchising Directory Sites... Read More
If you are looking for a way to own your... Read More
Ok, you have successfully accomplished your dream of being the... Read More
The choice of financing is an important determinant of whether... Read More
If you're looking for start-up capital for your business, but... Read More
Incredible as it sounds, you have a goldmine of free... Read More
And is having a logo really that important?My answer to... Read More
The Boston suburbs seem to be rich with possible locations... Read More
To wash an airplane there are many items you will... Read More
Consistency is a huge word when operating your business. I... Read More
What's your job profitability? I meet with business owners every... Read More
Incorporation in Nevada has become an attractive option for savvy... Read More
1. TargetYou are not all things to all people. Decide... Read More
The choice to incorporate a small business in Florida has... Read More
As you reflect on this year and prepare for next... Read More
The life cycle of the typical small business is short... Read More
It is essential that you fully understand how the fuel... Read More
Before you read any further in this article, I'd like... Read More
One of the best marketing strategies a business or organization... Read More
The last time I spoke and went into a bit... Read More
There's no question that hard work and a little luck... Read More
Should you buy a business opportunity or Franchise if you... Read More
Setting priorities in your business? Your first job is to... Read More
As a business owner, you already know how important it... Read More
As long as you eat and breathe you will stay... Read More
Small Business |