Here we are; t-minus 31 days and counting till the New Year. Lately I have heard too many stories about what 2009 is going to bring. Everyone keeps saying how next year things will be different, how we’re expected to turn this thing around like nothing has happened.
Well folks, I’m here to tell you that in one short month if you are still in business now you may not make it until the ball drops. In the next fours weeks you could find your loyal customers lost forever. Like you, each of them is witnessing countless businesses closing up. Major chains going out of business and huge companies letting thousands of employees go.
I have a simple solution that is proven time and time again to work no matter what line of work you are in. The effort and commitment have to be yours though. Try to think of what sending out resumes is like, or trying to explain your situation at the unemployment office or worse…okay, I won’t go there.
Dan's 3 step approach:
1. Reach out a single customer each day letting them know you’re alive and still in business. Make a call, a quick email or my favorite, send a greeting card.
2. Next, find a past customer and touch them in the same way.
3. For each holiday card you get in the mail either at home or at work take the time and immediately respond in the same fashion. Remember, you may not sell to family members but they sure sell you.
Does all this seem like a lot of work? It is, at first. I said it was simple not easy. I guarantee that with this effort you will have reached out to almost 100 people who will remember you come January 1st.
As for me, I am alive and still doing business. Feel free to respond to me today as your first day kicks off to making it great in 2008.
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