Get organised
How much time do you spend each day trying to work out what to do next or what task needs your attention most? Whether it be on a website such as Toodledo, or as ‘task’ in your Outlook… or on a good old fashioned scrap of paper, write yourself a to-do list and prioritise it. Work through it methodically ticking off completed items as you go.
One at a time please!
No matter how organised and efficient you think you are, at the end of the day you are human! Don’t try to take on too many tasks at once. Start a task and either spend a fixed amount of time on it or see it through to completion. Once your allotted time is up move on to the next task.
Loyalty doesn’t come from just doing what you already do better…it’s all about doing what you do in a way that genuinely helps people. As a small business owner this gives you a HUGE advantage over the big boys and faceless corporate national chains.
Here are a few ideas to help you inject a little love in to your business...
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As a business owner it is often all too easy to get caught up in ‘hit and hope marketing’, i.e. if you hit enough balls surely one or two will reach the goal, no? Instead, why not invest some time in researching and creating your own virtual, “perfect client” and then planning your marketing activities around them?
When you can describe the specific characteristics of your ideal clients or customers, it makes it much easier to find them. It will also make it easier to screen out clients who are not the right fit.
One task that is essential to every business is marketing. Sure you may have an amazing product or a unique service to offer but without effective marketing who is ever going to know about it?
In this months 'Spring Special'...we are thrilled to bring you the '7 musts of effective marketing' courtesy of our good friends at Nigel Botterill's Entrepreneurs Circle.
0 commentsNow, we are not suggesting you quickly run to the local shop and bulk buy the left over cards and chocolates or quickly start booking romantic meals with everyone in your address book - but wouldn't it be good to let your client's know how much you love them? As business owners we all know how hard it is to win new clients especially in tough times and with the stiff completion we face today, so once they are yours why not show them a little love?
Keep in regular contact, ask for feedback after completion of a job or task, find out if there are any other services you may be able to offer them. These little touches not only make your clients feel valued, but in turn further bolster your working relationship and open the door to new opportunities for you both. Sure, it may be Valentine's Day today - but why not spend a little time spreading the love all year round?
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Why not click here and download this handy little Timesheet. Keep it to hand and log your day to see where you could increase your productivity and what tasks you are spending valuable time on that could easily be delegated or outsourced?
It turns out that in the rush to get everything done the client had lost sight of his objectives and failed to put any processes in place! All it took was a fresh pair of eyes, and a little Pickle magic. So over another mince pie of course, we worked out a process based not only on the end result but also on the strengths of the individuals in his team, who all looked rather small come to think of it!
We are pleased to say the plan worked perfectly and thanks to In a Pickle, not only is the client delighted but he is also now confident that all his deliveries will be made by 25th December enabling him to enjoy a very prosperous and peaceful New Year!
0 commentsEmail Marketing is a fantastic way of keeping in touch with your contacts on a regular basis…and it’s cost effective too! Here are some of In a Pickle’s top tips (and things to avoid!) to ensure your email marketing becomes an important part of your marketing strategy for 2012!
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