Monday, February 9, 2009

The 4 Ways To Grow Your Business In 2008

For many companies and businesses 2008 could be a difficult year. This article looks at what business owners can do during the next 12 months to help them grow their business.

I don’t know about you but I’m sick and tired about hearing and reading about how the world in which we live in is such a terrible place. Yes, it’s far from ideal but does turning on the television, radio or picking up a newspaper only to hear of recession, poverty and strife really help us?

I for one, suspect it doesn’t and whilst I’m not suggesting you should bury your head in the marketing sand and assume everything is rosy and perfect in the world, I am suggesting that if you approach 2008 and beyond with the right attitude and mindset your chances of success will increase. And so with it will the chances of you and your customers being more successful.

The truth is many of your competitors and your customers are worried about what the New Year and the future holds for their businesses and livelihoods. There is nothing wrong with being concerned about a possible worldwide recession, falling house prices and rising interest rates to name a few things but likewise there will also be great opportunities for companies to flourish even in the hardest of times. In fact, I would argue that it is in the times of hardship that companies with the skills to out market their competitors will really see the greatest benefits.

You see, marketing when times are good is a lot easier as companies have more money to spend on marketing, advertising and on promoting their business. And customers (and potential customers) have more disposal income and are therefore more likely to buy products and services.

However, when times are tough every cent or penny is accounted for and counts more than ever so companies who can differentiate their products and services better than their competition have a much better chance of being successful. And whilst money and cash flow might be at the forefront of most companies minds I certainly wouldn’t encourage a total shift in your marketing strategy to focus on the cheapest is best route. People and businesses ultimately want value for money from the products and services they buy and this applies equally in times of hardship as it does when times are good.

2008 for the global economy and for you and I might be tough. It might be a struggle but if you dwell on the negatives that are constantly thrown at you I guarantee this will have an adverse effect on your business.

The New Year for many people is a time for change and new opportunities. From wanting to lose weight and give up tobacco on a personal level to wanting to increase your profits and grow your business on a professional one.

For smart marketers 2008 holds amazing opportunities so my tips for success this year are:

Tip #1 for Success in 2008

Focus on the positives and don’t get drawn into all the negative hype that is thrown at you from the media or politicians

Tip #2 for Success in 2008

Surround yourself with likeminded positive people

Tip #3 for Success in 2008

Become truly great at marketing your product or service (or find someone to do it for you)

Tip #4 for Success in 2008

Remember that YOU are ultimately what will make the difference between the next 12 months and beyond being successful or not

I wish you well.

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