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21 Ways to Get New Customers in a Slow Economy

Written by: Michael O'Grady

Article Overview: In these financial times, I think we have to challenge the idea of a recession. Yes, real people are losing jobs. They’re struggling to pay their bills, even losing their homes. Yet, even during a recession, there are plenty of real people who still have jobs and continue to live very normal lives. Taking advantage of every opportunity you have to gain new customers and maintain your existing ones will help you to thrive in your business or industry, no matter the current state of our economy. Here are 21 ways to do just that.

21 Ways to Get New Customers in a Slow Economy

In this struggling economy, you can’t listen to the radio, watch television, or read a newspaper without getting bombarded with stories about money woes. In these financial times, I think we have to challenge the idea of a recession. You see, I believe that a “recession” is more perception than reality. Yes, real people are losing jobs. They’re struggling to pay their bills, even losing their homes. Yet, even during a recession, there are plenty of real people who still have jobs and continue to live very normal lives.

As a savvy sales and business person, it’s up to you to view every opportunity wisely. It’s your own responsibility to find out who needs your product or service, why they need it and how to make it affordable for them. Taking advantage of every opportunity you have to gain new customers and maintain your existing ones will help you to thrive in your business or industry, no matter the current state of our economy. Here are 21 ways to do just that…

--- 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.

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Article Tags: customer relationships, sales techniques, slow business, slow sales



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Re: In Praise of Slow by Carl Honore - Thanks for sharing GT - very interesting! According to Amazon Kindle, the two most highlighted passages from the book are: [quote:1tn0ii6a]Slow philosophy can be summed up in a single word: balance. Be fast when it makes sense to be fast, and be slow when slowness is called for. Seek to live at what musicians call the tempo giusto—the right speed.[/quote:1tn0ii6a] [quote:1tn0ii6a]Slow is the opposite: calm, careful, receptive, still, intuitive, unhurried, patient, reflective, quality-over-quantity.[/quote:1tn0ii6a]
Re: Two Useful Books To Help You Focus On The CLIENT - Hi David, To add to your thread, I'd like to recommend Jonathan Tisch's "Chocolates On The Pillow Aren't Enough: Reinventing The Customer Experience". Tisch's book includes content on "Welcoming Customers", "The New Art of Customization", "The Challenges of Customer Diversity" and "Offering Something Extra to Your Customers" to name a few.
How to Do Great Marketing with (Amost) No Money - I've given this presentation to CEOs many times. Now i can share it with you. But I cannot because I do not yet have 20 posts. Jeff Ogden, President Find New Customers
Re: Ideas For Business - Stas and lucy, Could you guys give us a recap of your entire business idea as it stands now. Seems like it morped a bit. Let us know: 1. Start date 2. Ways you will Market 3. What you will offer 4. How much will your charge for your offer
Re: Are Business Owners too Old School to be Sold by a blog - [quote:140e27hj]Customers Pick Static Documents over Blog Entries 8 to 1 on Average[/quote:140e27hj] Interesting study. Just as a commenter said on your post... don't call it a blog. I agree.


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