Nailed It!

Recovery? Recession Over?

We’ve all heard the play on words lately! Is the “recovery” in sight or is it as elusive at that almost forgotten word “retirement”. Most businesses have had “survival” as their mantra the past two years and will continue as long as “uncertainty” reigns. Have we “bottomed out” or as Warren Buffet said recently mired at the “plateau at the bottom” not knowing if we’ll be here a day, weeks, or months.

To those of us as business owners or decision makers working in the trenches every day, our outlook will continue to be “cautious” with “restrained optimism”. So as we go forward with the newly defined “business as usual” we need to take advantage of the reported “green shoots” and up tick in the marketplace.

Businesses and consumers have been “hoarding cash” due to the “cloudy horizon”. But as confidence slowly increases and the businesses replenish “depleted inventories” which are at “historic lows” we should be in position to “reap the benefits”.

Those who are consistent with their message and exposure will be the first to have their phones ring and have increased activity on their website – both leading hopefully to sales!

Blogs, direct mail, specials, signs, vehicle graphics, decals, banners, window graphics etc – it’s inexpensive exposure and effective. “Stay on task” for there is still “rough sledding ahead” and we’re definitely not “out of the woods”!

The “good news” is that we have “weathered the storm” and that there is “daylight ahead” and that is exciting!

“Good Selling”

Perhaps the most hated words to our kids and really, most adults. A definite “fun sponge” effect when merely uttered.

However, to most business owners, it also signals activity. From software to signs, and everything in between, most businesses benefit from the increased activity schools generate. Especially important in tough economic times, schools and government should be an important prospect for doing business.

Take the time now to determine who does the buying at the local districts. Although the teachers may have summers off the administrative offices continue to operate and can be helpful.

Good Selling!

The phone isn’t ringing off the hook, you’ve got some time on your hands but you want to be productive. August is typically not a time workers are complaining of writer’s cramp or carpal tunnel from processing orders.

September is just around the corner and you need to be ready when customers are back to work, taking care of business, placing some orders, and trying to end the year on a good note.

Business owners rarely get the time to clean “their own house”, starting with their office. We have been downsizing to survive the times so we are still continually busy. But for most, right now, not in a few weeks, is a time where we can create a healthier and more effective work environment for when activity increases.

Go through the stacks of paper, lists, etc that you keep thinking you’ll get to this year. If you haven’t touched them in three months or even less, it won’t happen – throw them out. Except for key vendor information, pricing and the few “good” lists that contain good target accounts for prospecting, the stacks should be gone. Samples worth keeping – create a file so when the need comes, you can find it. At least the clutter will be gone.

Walking into a clean office or production area makes you feel ready to battle for business – slim and trim, feels like you’ve put in a few weeks at the gym.

The same goes for production areas – inventory you haven’t used in years, clutter now looking like it’s a permanent fixture, get rid of it!

Good luck and selling! If you try to reach me I’ll be taking loads to my dumpster or calling our local, favorite shredding business for a pick up!