Increasing Sales in Uncertain Times

During difficult economic times like COVID-19, it can be hard to break into new markets. One of the best things to do now is to better serve your existing customers. Think about what’s working and what isn’t!

These should be your first priorities:

• Review your sales process. Are your sales what they should or need to be (as compared to your goal for sales) - what is working well and what is not working? What is your sales process and approach that is reliable and drives predictable results? If you win only 10% of the time, getting that number to 20% is a small but meaningful improvement!
• Lead generation and know your numbers. How effective is your lead generation and lead follow-up? What is your lead management system and how well is it helping you with leads, lead management and conversions through your selling process? If you don’t know your numbers are you flying blind, and how will you adjust if you are off course?
• Know your customers. Know what their favorite services or products are and be aware of their wellbeing during this time. Ask yourself how you can better serve them, and how you can help then during the COVID-19 pandemic or as they prepare to build their business as the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
• Build referral relationships. The best referrals come from satisfied customers. Focus on doing everything you can for your current customers and showing them that you care. And don’t be afraid to ask for referrals! It doesn’t have to be a sales pitch—just ask them to share their good experiences with your business and send a friend or two your way!
• Reward loyal customers. This will look different for every business, but the customers that stick by you should recognized! Consider offering discounts for frequent retail customers, or a tasteful gift basket in B2B relationships. Find what makes sense for you!

Increasing sales isn’t easy or simple, but these should provide a good starting point for any business. For more information, keep reading here!

Time Management and Your Wellbeing

Among many negative side effects, excess stress can weaken your immune system. The good news? A lot of stress is completely avoidable if you simply learn to manage your time better! These three ideas are a great starting point:

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• Block out time for important tasks. Maybe you like to knock out your emails first thing in the morning, or maybe you need the morning hours to do your most important tasks. Find what works for you and stick to it!
• Make sure you’re not working for your business—make sure your business is working for YOU! Experiment with processes and systems that allow you to delegate more efficiently.
• Finally—take a vacation! Too many business owners perpetually postpone vacation. Getting away from it all isn’t just important for your mental health—you’ll also be much more productive when you return!
  
  For more tips on time management, keep reading on our website!

Caring for Yourself as a Business Owner

As a business owner, you have a lot of obligations and responsibilities. But never forget: your first responsibility is to you and your well-being. If you are incapacitated or lack adequate reserves (energy, stamina, capacity) then those who depend on you are left to their own devices.

 

These are the first things you should do to practice better self-care:

·       Get more sleep. Almost all of us are sleep deprived, and not getting enough sleep makes you more susceptible to a host of other problems.

·       Eat better. Cut out processed food as much as possible, eat whole foods, drink more water, and avoid sugary drinks. Your mood, focus, and overall health will improve!

·       Move more – be more physically active or get exercise. It doesn’t have to be much. Try to get exercise nearly every day when possible, like taking a walk, going for a jog, going for a swim, or doing yoga. Look for ways to incorporate this into your daily routines.

·       Set aside time for important activities like reading, cooking, or whatever else centers and balances you.

These tips might be common sense, but so many of us forget to do them in our daily lives. Practicing better self-care is the first step in a positive feedback loop that will ripple into all other corners of your life!

Read more on our website!