9 New Business Resolutions for 2009

We all know the economic climate is rough out there. Savvy business people know that getting the biggest bang for your buck is now more important than ever to achieve financial success. Here’s what you can do to succeed in 2009:

1. Invest in advertising. Don’t wait passively for the phone to ring! New customers don’t just appear like magic, you have to attract them. Use the most effective methods to market your business – see below!
   
2. Get found online, where customers are actually looking for you. 82% of your potential customers use search engines like Google, Yahoo and MSN to find business and health services in their local area. If you’re not there, they’ll find your competitors first. Get started
   
3. Get yourself a professional web site. Your web site should persuade visitors to call you with new business inquiries. Don’t have a web site? We can build one for you
   
4. Use your website to tout your strengths. Have new testimonials? Win an award? Join a new association? Add them to your site to lend more credibility to your business!
   
5. Make sure you have a logo. Websites with logos convert clicks into contacts FOUR TIMES better than those without.
   
6. Track ALL of your advertising. Add unique phone call tracking numbers to all your advertising avenues - internet, newspaper, radio, ValPak, etc. This way you can know exactly what’s working!
   
7. Know your options. Take time to explore your advertising channels with a marketing expert. Are you running a campaign that provides a low return? Change it! Ask IMS what can be done to get your message out there.
   
8. Network! Introduce yourself at local Chamber of Commerce events and the like for “free” word-of-mouth advertising. BNI and Letip are additional networking resources. Exchange ideas with people in the same industry at industry-based association events. These get-togethers are usually included in your association dues or are inexpensive to attend, and they can be invaluable in getting your name out there or getting to know your industry’s leaders.
   
9. BONUS Resolution: Always ask for the referral! One fast and easy way of getting new customers is through referrals from your existing ones. Create a referral program offering service credits as an incentive to your clients who send you new business. Mail every satisfied customer a description of your referral program: “Send your friends and colleagues this certificate for 10% off. For each person who redeems it, we'll give you a $100 credit toward your account! Mail this to past clients, too, to see if you can rekindle those relationships. Lastly, reach out with a referral program mailing every 90 days or so.