It’s a new year, and you’re ready to boost sales and experience success like never before. The only problem is… you have a very tiny budget for marketing and advertising.
Well, don’t let that stand in your way! There are many things you can do to skyrocket sales right now. It’s just going to take a little time and effort on your part.
Ready to push up your sleeves and start 2019 with a bang?
Here are…
7 Tips to Catapult Sales Right Now (whether you have a budget or not!)
1. Get referrals.
Check LinkedIn and look at your network. Who can connect you with potential customers, clients, partners, and more?
Make a list of contacts with their addresses, emails and phone numbers. If you have a good relationship, you can just send a personal note via LinkedIn and ask for an introduction.
Just be sure to customize your message to the person you’re contacting. No one likes to get a generic, template message!
Now, if you don’t have a big network on LinkedIn or feel funny contacting people on your list, move on to…
2. Send personal cards.
Snail mail is not dead. A handwritten note sent to a specific person at just the right time can help open the communication-gates and new business.
Think about what valuable benefits you can offer the recipient and how you can solve their problems. Avoid sales language, and keep your message honest, personable and to-the-point. You may be surprised at the response you receive!
3. Partner with another organization.
Is there another business, organization or charity you can work with that complements what you offer?
If so, team up to create events, joint packages, marketing campaigns, and more that provide unique value. You cut the time, effort and money involved in half. Plus, both sides can access a brand new list of potential customers without spending a dime.
And here’s an added benefit if you…
4. Use the media.
Create a newsworthy event, and contact media members in your local area. Let them know what you are offering the community and how it will benefit their audience.
Help them get a great story, and you can obtain free coverage online, on television or via radio. This is positive media that provides third-party credibility you simply can’t buy via advertising.
Don’t have an event?
Do you have a background in technology, know how to find the best products at a discount, understand how to prepare for a storm, or something else?
Figure out your area of expertise. Then, call local reporters and offer to be an expert-resource about a particular subject matter relevant to what they cover. This way, you can create long-term relationships where media members contact you for future news-stories. Again, this is free media coverage to promote your business.
5. Start posting.
Whether it’s on social media, in print, or via a podcast, video or something else, provide current content to your audience on a regular basis.
Your target market has questions about your products and services.
Are you providing answers and valuable information that is easy to find?
If not, you are losing potential customers to the competition. Create unique content yourself, or hire an inexpensive intern or freelancer to help you.
6. Give a presentation.
In addition to posting content online, it’s important to be active at events where your audience hangs out. Offer a free presentation about a particular topic at your office or a regional, business meeting. You can also secure a speaking engagement at an industry event where you are seen as the expert.
What’s that? You’re afraid of public speaking? Why not try a webinar or online seminar, instead?
7. Follow up!
Once you try the activities above, don’t forget to do the appropriate follow-up. Capture contact information whenever possible, and send thank-you notes when you meet new people.
While all of these contacts may not be potential customers, they know others. Your personal communication will make a good impression and build positive word-of-mouth.
Keep the conversation going. After all, the people you reach out to might not be ready to buy your products or services now, but you want them to remember you when they are ready (or know someone who is).
Ready, Set Go!
With the excitement of the New Year comes many possibilities. Take advantage of all the opportunities available. Reach out to your current network, create interesting events with other organizations, publish unique content and presentations, promote your activities, and follow up with personal messages.
Yes, these activities take time and effort, but they don’t cost money. In addition, you can always get help from students, family, friends, and inexpensive freelancers.
Sorry. You just ran out of excuses. Get out there and get to work. This can be your best year ever, but only if you take action now!
All the best, and let me know how it goes!
By Melanie Rembrandt
Photo by Ross Findon
Author Melanie Rembrandt is known as THE small business PR expert. She helps entrepreneurs boost sales, awareness and credibility fast with a unique combination of targeted, content-marketing strategy and public relations. If you want to get results and save time and money, contact her at Rembrandt Communications, www.rembrandtwrites.com.
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