Are you prepared for the weather?

Branson, Missouri is bracing itself for this winters (or almost winter) first nasty weather. The groceries store are full of nervous people stocking up for what could be an interesting week.

Are you "stocking-up" for what could be an interesting year in your business. We have talked on this blog how every industry, even the soap operas, are making adjustments for 2009. I want to challenge you to know the weather forecast. Take a step back and put yourself in the shoes of your customers. What can you do to help your customers buy more of your products and services.

2009 might be the year to actually follow through on some of the things that maybe you have thought of doing. Some examples:

1. Create an advisory board. It amazes me how many great business people there are in Branson, Mo. If you had six people that told you all the things that you needed to hear and you followed through on them, what would that mean for your business. Don't pick your friends who are afraid of hurting your feelings -- pick the people who will speak their mind and have the knowledge that you respect and trust.

2. Get to really know your best customers. I am not talking about their kids birthdays, I am talking about why they choose to do business with you.

3. Get to really know your non-customers. If you were to create a prospect list of the top 15 companies not doing business with you and find out why, you could put a plan together to overcome those reasons. I would simply contact the decision maker and tell them what you are doing, ask them to go to lunch and ask the questions you want. Nothing ventured -- nothing gained.

4. Your customers are looking for new prospects too. What about hosting a "mixer" every quarter or so. Again, I would be very open why you are doing this -- keep it small maybe 20 or so people. You could invite a speaker or allow each business to talk about themselves for 3 minutes or so.

Bottom line, the weather forecast has a lot of people talking about and dreading 2009. Let's be prepared and try new things. Stay Tuned.