Thursday, December 11, 2008

5 Key Components of a Profitable Holiday Season

In this current economic crunch, many small businesses are feeling the weight of the hard times heavily upon their shoulders. When times start to go bad, however, there are some basic things we as small business owners can do to ensure that we have the best possible holiday season. Take a look at these five key components, adjust your business as necessary, and get ready for a great holiday season.

Check Out the Competition

This is a key component and should always be done if you are in a competitive market. Shop online and in person in businesses like yours and see what the other guys are doing. What can you do to compete with these people? Can you adjust prices and rates or offer any sort of holiday promotions. Think about what you can do to maximize profits and maintain a competitive edge.

Maintain Quality

If you decide to go down the road of lowering prices or rates, make sure that you will still be able to give the same quality and value to your clientele that they have come to expect. It’s one thing to get them in the doors; it’s another thing completely to keep them coming back.

Give Superior Service

Especially during tough economic times, people are less willing to part with their hard-earned money if you haven’t earned their trust. Superior service shows that you are committed to doing the best possible job for you’re your clientele as well as yourself. Superior service and competitive prices will certainly help you to develop a larger client base during this time of increased exposure.

Follow Through

Once you have earned the trust and come through for your customers, make sure that they are satisfied with their products or services. This can be accomplished quickly and effectively through email or a quick phone call. Email is usually preferable, as it’s the least intrusive way of communicating with people. Following through with your clients is a great way to show that you care and will leave a great impression that will have them coming back to you again sooner than you think.

Thank Your Customers

This is a very basic component of business that many people seem to forget these days. Your clients and customers could have gone to a competitor, but they didn’t; they chose your business, so you must show your appreciation. This can be as simple as saying thanks after you have finished the transaction, but could also be done with a credit on a subsequent purchase or a discount for continued patronage. Use your discretion, but remember – people like to feel appreciated, so don’t forget your manners.

By-line:
This post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of currency trade. She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com

1 comment:

Tom Marquardt-The Profit Repairman said...

Susan;

As my way of saying Thank You for posting a comment and caring about the mission, please e-mail me and I will reply with a Free E-book of my newest Book, MY little BLACK BOOK TO SUCCESS for you.

Thank you, Tom