Blog: Think Tank

You’ve heard it before: Attitude is everything. It’s especially true now – when the economy is on everyone’s mind.

Lots of businesses are cutting costs right now – and often the first "cost" cut is marketing. Heed what Peter Drucker said: "The business enterprise has two – and only two – basic functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing and innovation produce results; all the rest are ‘costs.’ "

So rev up that positive attitude! Use it to:

- Keep your employees pumped and excited about your business.
- Cement relationships with your current customers.
- Excite and entice new customers.

Now’s the time to talk to your employees about your vision for the company. About the value you bring to your customers. About the importance of stellar customer service. About your commitment to them and their success. Make sure you celebrate successes. It doesn’t have to be a big, expensive celebration. Bring in pizza. Give out coupons to local merchants. Give someone permission to come in late one day. Just let your employees know that they’re doing a good job and you appreciate it.

Cementing relationships with customers should always be a daily activity. Too often, it’s not. We forget to thank our customers. We don’t remember to ask them about their business and how it is changing. This is a great time to reconnect with your customers. Call to check-in and see how things are going. Be genuinely interested in them and what they have to say. You might even consider making your customers a special offer. Sponsor a seminar, invite them in for a free consultation.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create excitement in your business. Consider partnering with another business in a cross-promotion. A dry cleaner could partner with a dress shop. When you pick up your dry cleaning, you get a coupon for the dress shop and vice versa. People who offer business services can also partner with each other to add value for their customers.

Take some time to brainstorm ways to connect with your customers and attract new customers. You’ll find your staff has lots of ideas. Just ask them. Keep your eyes open and see what other businesses do. Remember that the sincerest form of flattery is imitation. Go for it.

With a positive attitude and staff who are enthused, your business can re-energize itself and make connections with customers that will contribute directly to your bottom line. It’s your decision. Why not take a positive, proactive approach? It’s better than the alternative . . . and your bottom line will appreciate it.

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