If you’ve been keeping up with the news you know that many events are causing changes in the promotional products industry and the way we live today! The on and off tariff wars, the threat of the coronavirus and ever-increasing competition for your business may be giving you sleepless nights. You are not alone! Take heart, rather than fear change you can learn to embrace it!
The companies and promotional product sales professionals that embrace change will thrive while others fall by the wayside.
How can you learn to embrace change and the latest technology? Here are some proven ideas that can make your business life easier!
Create an Operations Manual
Years ago, my then administrative assistant left unexpectedly. It was a big change, but fortunately before she left, she prepared an operation’s manual for the person who would take her place. It saved me a ton of time and effort and made the transition so much smoother! These days, I recommend to all my coaching clients to create their own operations manual. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Take the time to document how things are done in your office such as: how you respond to requests for quotes, how often you check in with clients, what procedure you have in place if there is a problem on an order. You get the idea! The more you document, the smoother it will be to run your business, no matter how much is changing around you!
Keep Current in the industry
Take advantage of the plethora of classes available online and at industry trade shows to stay current with the latest trends and technology changes. Participate in industry email support groups, subscribe to industry magazines and stay current with industry issues. The more you know, the better you can sell and adapt to industry changes.
Be Easy to Reach
Be modern with all your communication. Let your clients and prospects know all the different ways they can reach you: Phone, email, text, social media, sending a message through your website, etc. The person that responds the fastest to client needs is very often the person that gets the sale!
Communicate Quickly
Have an order that went wrong? Be quick to communicate with your client on what you can do to make it right. Your client will remember what you did more than the mistake.
Embrace the Latest Technology
--Update your website frequently: These days, you don’t have to be a big company to have an impressive website. Make sure your website loads rapidly, is easy to navigate, is mobile friendly and isn’t just another cookie cutter industry website. Give your prospects and clients a reason to do business with you by sharing the latest case histories, marketing tips and the latest trends. Show that you are up on what’s current!
--Use the latest apps: I live on the East Coast but my children live on the West Coast, that means I travel a lot! I love how much easier it is these days to work remotely and stay in touch no matter where I am. I enjoy that I can research ideas with a mobile app and send clients presentations easily. I enjoy using the LinkedIn® app, so that when I am about to meet a prospect or client, I know something about their interests and experience before I go into a meeting. There are tons of apps out there that will help you work more efficiently.
Have a Preferred Supplier List
Form a relationship with your favorite suppliers so that when unexpected changes happen, or you need a favor, you have someplace to turn. Pay your invoices on time, get to know their product line and inside and outside reps. Send them thank you notes and praise on social media. Being appreciated goes a long way!
Have a Secure Backup System
I use a paid service to backup all my computer files frequently. I can sleep easier at night knowing that if my computer should crash, I have timely backups.
Above All…
Don’t panic! Change is part of life! Just like death and taxes, it’s inevitable!
Rosalie Marcus, The Promo Biz Coach, is a promotional products business expert, coach, and speaker. Combining her skills and years of experience in promotional sales, she helps her clients sell more at higher margins to better clients. Get a free special report: 10 Proven Ways to Thrive in Promotional Products at www.promobizcoach.com. Contact her at Rosalie@promobizcoach.com