Back to School means Back to Business!

Hello everyone!  Summer is winding down and the addition of school buses has added to the traffic out there!  Nothing is a more poignant reminder of Summer's end than sitting for 20 minutes just to get through one intersection on Route 1!

But something good comes from all this traffic and from this time of year.  People are tanned, rested and ready to hit the ground running!  It's the end of the heatwaves, leaves start turning colors, football begins and our utility bills go down. (for now!)

So here's what to do:

1. Send out a blast to all your past, present and potential clients that wishes them well and offers your products and services.  It's a numbers game, so the more you reach out, the more hits you will get.  My Summer blast yielded me 5 happy clients who took advantage of 1 great special.  That's $3750 I would not have had this Summer.  Not too shabby.

2. Review your goals from the beginning of the year and set a goal for the Fall.  Determine what successes and failures you had earlier in the year and base your Fall goal on learning from the failures and building on the successes.  For example, my Business Start-Up promotion did not work but my Social Media Package did.  I realize the errors I made in the Start-Up promotion and will no longer promote that to existing business contacts. (I realize the irony of sending a start-up offer to an existing business, but I thought I would reach companies who were starting a new division or opening a new location, etc.. I was wrong.)  The Social Media package was a big success, so I will spread that word to more businesses.

3. NETWORK!  Join a chamber of commerce, networking group, business association or meetup group and attend functions.  You will meet potential clients or individuals who can refer potential clients.  Nobody is buying in your office.  Get out there and press the flesh!

4. Re-educate yourself.  Go online and research the latest trends and developments in your industry.  Learn how the latest technologies can help you streamline your efforts and garner the highest output within your work hours.

5. Find time to relax.  Find time for you.  A quick walk, time outside on a park bench or even a moment in a quiet corner meditating will help you decompress, find your center and focus.

I wish you every success 'til next time!
-Pete

Summertime Blues

Hey Folks!  I hope you are enjoying your Summer.  I know I have been.  Business has been steady, but it could be better.  It seems there is always a lull during the Summer.  It's not for my lack of trying, but it seems like potential clients and decision makers have two speeds in the Summer - "slow" and "reverse"!

So what can you do to offset this?  Here's a few ideas:

1. Expect it and plan for it.  There is always going to be the challenge of trying to reach clients, but it is caused by them being away on vacation.  You can't reach them if they are not near the phone.  So set up a plan of action in the spring that you can work on gradually.  Offer them a value and get a deposit to make sure they are committed.  Then send them interim updates as your project progresses.  Collect the balance in the fall!

2. Put 5% of every job aside in a vacation club.  Setting aside some money in a SEPARATE account will give you the discipline needed to save for a vacation of your own!  Hey - You've earned it!  After vacation is over - keep the account open as a Christmas Club!

3. Offer a "Summer Blowout" or "Back to School" Special.  I don't know about you, but I would rather have something than nothing.  By offering a seasonal special, you can encourage new clients to try your products or services and by listing it as a seasonal special, you can maintain rate integrity during busy seasons.

4. Take a part time job. There are lots of Summer jobs available that may not pay what you want, but they could fill your income gap and help you maintain your financial commitments.  Jobs at resorts, pools, camps, seasonal markets, farming co-ops, etc are available and are usually pretty flexible.  Also - it may be a great way to turn that part-time boss into a full time client of your business once they see how awesome you are!

5. Clean out your work space.  Get organized!  Clean off you desk, sort through your files and discard what's no longer in use.  Send e-mail to old prospects, follow up send notes to old clients saying "We want yo back" and offer them your seasonal special.  Remove the clutter from your work and your life.  You may just find that number you lost months ago!

6. Review YOUR vendor deals.  Look at every supplier you have and compare prices with other vendors and negotiate better deals.  Cell phone service, internet providers, cable TV, office supplies, insurance, mortgage, etc.  You could save hundreds even thousands annually.

I hope these tips have helped.  So go out there and be awesome and remember to take some time for your self and your Family this Summer.  See you in the Fall!

-Pete

It's been a while!

How have you been?  I've missed writing to you!  I have been incredibly busy...and that's a good thing!  I was recently honored by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce being awarded the "Small Business Person of the Year"!  It has been a boost to my business and my ego as well! 

I have been doing a lot of video work lately and you can see some of it on my YouTube page which is http://www.youtube.com/petetube1965 .   Please let me know your thoughts!  A majority of the videos are short business podcasts produced at The Delco Chamber.  By the way, joining the chamber gets you a FREE video session.  Contact me for more info on that.

So again, I am sorry for not writing in a while, but my customers always come first.  If you need any help with your business, please don't hesitate to e-mail me or call me at 610.529.0122.

Take care and be awesome!

-Pete