Entrepreneur Search

If you have any serious desires to get into an online business you cannot go past the new search facility I have created for you.

This is a way you can find the top four offers currently available on the Internet.

These are right up to date as of today.
You only need to sign in, ( totally and absolutely free) and you will not only be able to get exclusive access to the top four but you will also be first to know about anything better.

Just click on the banner to access my search engine for on-line marketers.

Get exclusive access to the top four marketing trends as of today, absolutely free.

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It is rather strange but there is something a little different about this Christmas compared with last. The normal quest for greed in the business world seems less obvious than it was last year.

In New Zealand some businesses are offering some very kind gestures to people. There is a very good Indian restaurant in Auckland, possibly the very best. Satya, a southern Indian restaurant with four shops for a great dining experience. These good people are giving away their most famous dish Korma free on Christmas eve.

There is also a dentist in South Auckland offering free checkups and basic fillings for those people who can not afford the expensive treatment normally associated with this profession.

I wonder what is happening in the consumer electronic industry where my passion lies? What are the wholesalers doing for their best retailers? This is the time of the year for smart business people to make their mark. Business is not only about taking, it can also be about giving. The examples I have seen on the news today brings a breath of fresh air and obvious goodwill.

It is really good to see that some people are just going out of their way to see the less fortunate have an opportunity to experience something even if it is just a small gesture.

Surely many good businesses still have old stock, or in fact redundant stock that can not be sold. This stock could be used as give-a-way’s to show thanks for past business.

Staff could be rewarded for excellent performance, it does not always have to be with the end of year bonus. Time after time all we hear about are these greedy people in business who are out for all they can get, showing no care for the needy and no care for the staff member who has stood up to the plate and did an awesome job during the year.

Anyone can take a lesson from these very good people out there who deserve more than they get.

There is no doubt 2011 has been a really tough year for many, there is a world recession still going on, Europe are still having their woes, and Greece is on the brink of financial collapse. Yet the wealthy con men who were running the bankrupt finance companies throughout New Zealand are as large as life in the ski resorts of Europe at this time of year.

If this recession continues we will see more good businesses go into liquidation, and the consumer electronics industry is as hard hit as any others out there. A need has arisen on the retail floor and in the sales rep area to greatly improve effectiveness when it comes to making sales and I have been working hard trying to help enthusiastic sales people achieve a worthwhile consumer electronics job.

If you are reading any of my posts and you fancy a  great sales job go and take a look at my other website here:

Audio Products International.

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Business

Whether you’re thinking it’s Spring Cleaning Time or time for an annual checkup, your business needs to undergo a checkup each year.  No matter how large or small your business is, you cannot gauge the effectiveness of any changes you’ve made without analyzing the benefits and bottom line.

Here are 10 questions to get you started:

•    How do your year-to-date sales compare to the last couple of years? Don’t be satisfied if you managed to match them because if sales stayed the same then you’ve achieved zero growth.  With inflation, this flat growth line is a warning sign for more trouble down the road.

•    What percentage of your business is from repeat customers? This is important to know because if it’s too low, then it needs to be improved.  The estimated cost of getting a new customer versus retaining an existing one can be as much as five to one in terms of dollars spent.  Keeping customers is more cost-effective than constantly seeking new ones.

•    How long has it been since you offered a new product or service?  Loyal customers like to see you changing and progressing with the times.  If you’re stuck for an idea, ask your customers what they need.

•    Do you consider marketing and advertising expenses or investments?  How you look at the money spent in these areas affects your willingness to spend money at all.  Would you look at prescriptions as a waste of money?  Marketing is really investing in you, your vision, and your company.  The old adage that you must spend money to make money is true, but you must spend it wisely.  Spend it on ads that are pulling responses and orders, and if they’re not maybe you need to change publications.

•    Do you know what PR is and how to use it to positively position your business in the media?  I’ll bet that at least one of your competitors does.  Nearly every mention of a company or business in the newspapers and magazines is a direct result of publicity efforts.  Being quoted or featured in an article speaks volumes to your clients and readers who are your potential prospects.  A good PR consultant can do that for you and show you ways to extend the shelf life of that article beyond its publication.

•    Are you listed in the yellow pages?  If you only have a line listing, consider including a small ad in the yellow pages.  If you can afford it, it will pay dividends throughout the year.

•    Do you teat your regular customers better than your drop-ins?  You should.  If your customers don’t feel special when coming to you for products of services, why should they remain loyal to you?  Have a customer appreciation day or a special invitation only sale for your regulars.  Create a mailing list of your regulars.  Send occasional post cards or greeting cards for special events or just to keep in touch.  Learn to recognize them on sight and greet them by name when they visit you.

•    How long has it been since you really talked to one of your customers?  Just as you appreciate when your Doctor takes time to talk to you, your customers will appreciate you if you take an interest in their needs.  If you have a service business, have lunch or coffee periodically with some regulars – even if they only contact you once or twice a year.  The personal touch in an impersonal world will be remembered.

•    How is your business doing compared to your competition?  Every company, no matter what the size, has competition – even home-based businesses.  Is their business growing or downsizing? Is their pricing or service better than yours?  If so, what can you tell potential customers about the price difference?  Think about how you can improve your service to meet or exceed your customer’s expectations.

•    Are your employees happy?  Don’t ask them directly, but observe them throughout the day.  Watch, listen and learn.  Employees who like their jobs don’t watch the clock for quitting time, aren’t habitually late, don’t have poor body language, don’t spend time on personal phone calls, and don’t look like they never smiled.  Observe how they interact with customers.  Not everyone is a match for direct contact with the public, so make sure you don’t have an employee who is driving business away.

Business

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