3 Strategies for Thriving in 2009
(Part 1 of a 3 Part Series)
Many businesses and individuals will thrive in 2009. The big question is whether you will be one of them.
Yes, the economy is turbulent and yes this presents some very new and very real challenges. However, the current economy also presents great opportunities...if you know and understand how to exploit them.
The 3 strategies presented in this series will allow you to flourish in 2009. As a matter of fact, these 3 strategies will enable you to thrive in ANY ECONOMY if implemented properly.
Strategy 1: Provide Value
Providing value to your client, customer, or employer sounds simple enough. However, very few understand or implement this principle on a sustainable basis.
The key to providing value rests in 2 factors. The first factor - and the one people struggle with the most - is understanding their true asset. As a small business owner or sales/service professional, what is it that you offer? No, not your product or service - but what is it that you corporately or personally were created to do?
If you cannot articulate your true asset in a single sentence, then you will be severely limited in the value you are able to provide. Uncovering this asset takes work, but the rewards - both intrinsic and financial - can be substantial.
If you don't know and understand your true asset, I have some tools that I would like to offer. First and foremost, I would be honored to engage you in a 45 minute strategy session to help uncover your true asset. This is a complimentary session - simply
Click Here for all of the details.
The second factor in providing value is to have a laser focused understanding of exactly what it is that your customer or client values - and then provide that product or service at a fair and reasonable price. Hmm, that sounds simple enough, but how do I know what's important to my customer?
The best method of finding out what is important to your client is to ask them! This can be accomplished through a variety of formats. You might be surprised at how effective a good old fashioned telephone might work. Simply call up an existing client, thank them for their business and then ask how well you are meeting their requirements. You might then inquire about any requirements they have that you are not meeting.
Asking questions of your existing clients or customers accomplishes two important tasks. First, your customer will be delighted over your concern for them and their business. Second, you will receive invaluable information that will enable you to serve your customer even better and provide greater value.
In summary, the first strategy for thriving in 2009 is to provide value to your customers or clients. The best way to provide value is to 1) know who you are and what you have to offer and 2) know who your customer is and understand what they value.
Next week, we will take a look at the 2nd Strategy for thriving in 2009. In my estimation, no business can survive without implementing this principle.
