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.

2009 -- the year of the attitude!

The beginning of a new year is exciting. It is a new start, an opportunity to improve your performance and reach a higher level. Is that your mindset going into 2009? I hope so.

Yes the media is bombarding us with bad news -- but that does not mean your business has to have a bad year. Let's remember that several people became millionaires during the great depression. Are you ready to gain market share?

Now, I am not talking about just visualizing yourself to a better place. (Although I believe in visualization) I am talking about getting back to the basics. Remember when you were excited about your business and you worked on your business and not just in it? Let me suggest taking the following steps:

1. Ask the tough question. Is your business still offering what your customers want? Are you offering products or services that no one cares about having? Regardless of the economy, your business has to keep up with the times.

2. Make the tough decisions. Is your staff making or costing you money. Most people talk about loyal employees, but that does not tell the whole story. I am loyal -- however, if I worked as a mechanic in a garage, I would cost them a lot of money.

Do the math, if you could increase your average ticket by $20.00, what would that add to the bottom line? Is your staff capable? Do they need more training? Do you need new people? There are a lot of good people looking for new opportunities, is it time to give it to them?

3. Is your business making enough sales calls. Yes I am a radio guy -- and I believe radio is a powerful way to advertise your business. (I will take my radio hat off for right now) Are you aggressively advertising your business? The old saying goes...advertising is what you do when you can't go see someone. A lot of your competitors will be cutting their advertising, adding to yours will pay huge dividends.

Here's to the right attitude for 2009. Stay Tuned.