THE TOP TEN BUSINESS TIPS
Wednesday, August 17, 2011 @ 11:36 AM
During the good times many businesses don’t feel the need to pay attention to detail but when business is hard to come by such an attitude can be fatal. Here, a top business doctor provides a health check. Can your business tick all the boxes?
Ask your customer: “Is there someone you know who might appreciate my services?” You will be surprised at the extra work that comes in. I know businesses that don’t need to advertise at all. They run their business on referrals.
First impressions count. If someone telephones and no one answers they call the next number on their list. Make it easy for customers to contact you.
Sixty-nine percent of people choose a service that is a member of a trade association.’ - Thomson Directories.
Attach a photocopy of your insurance cover to all quotations. The peace of mind wins orders.
On completing a job leave several business cards handy. The customer is bound to have others see your work. Some will ask for your card.
Telephone etiquette is essential. If the person who answers the call is brusque or falls short of helpfulness you have given the job to your competitor.
A small job completion questionnaire with pre-paid envelope gives you an opportunity to put niggles right. Equally important it will produce testimonials which you can use.
The small advertisement placed regularly pulls in more business than the advert that appears occasionally.
Your business vehicle is your double-fronted shop window. Get it professionally sign written. Make sure it is seen. Park it on a busy main road and walk the few yards to your off-road home.
An advert should always include an incentive. ‘This Week Only’, ‘Price Reduction’, ‘Just in’.
Mike Walsh is a professional copywriter. He will advise and if required give you website and business brochures a professional makeover. Sloppy content and poor spelling deters clients.