January Coffee Break
January 8th, 2010 | Author: Anything can happen.
As the clock turns to 2010, the fresh year is full of possibility. What is your business going to look like in 365 days? If every day were a step to success, you can be 365 steps closer to your goal in one year from now. But, in order to keep stepping the right direction, it’s important to plan ahead.
Target your market for 2010. Study the trends. Decide what you want to happen–and then detail plans to succeed. Sit down and detail your plans. Write out your major business goals for the year. It could look like this:
1. Gain local wholesale accounts
2. Brand my products more effectively with a consistent image in all of my marketing literature.
3. Streamline the ordering department.
4. Become a more noticeable, dependable presence on line with a blog.
5. Make customer service a top-priority with regular, positive contact.
After making your goals, decide which one will make the most lasting, successful impact on your company. Zero in on that goal and make it your top priority.
As you study the trends, blend your goals with your customer audience. Don’t just plow ahead with your goals without thinking of what your customer is really needing in their lives right now. Incorporate their needs with your business goals. For instance, in 2010 the oldest of the original Baby Boomers turn 64. This age group is looking for products to improve their changing lifestyles and ways to make their entrance into the retirement years enjoyable. What do you have to offer them? Maybe on your blog, you can give the Baby Boomers interesting information about retirement and why your gazebos are a perfect place for the family reunions with all the grandchildren.
Also, the housing market is still depressed, causing people to buckle down and make improvements on their already-owned properties. That’s good news for you, if you are marketing landscaping, home improvements and furniture. People want to make what they have better. For this trend, hone in on finding local wholesalers that are needing your products to fill the needs of these people.
It’s also a time when people are becoming more conscious of the environment. Think green and you will hit a warm spot in many people.
Bringing your goal of customer service alive with this trend, make sure they know that you are a “green” company by being intentional about mentioning little details of how you care for our world with the decisions you make in your company.
As you blend your goals with people’s needs, the year will overflow with success. It’s going to be an exciting journey. Let’s make this a great year together!
