(Published in the July 2023 issue of the Millwater Magazine and the Orewa Magazine)
Feeling the pinch, sales not where they need to be right now? You’re not alone. Winter, typically a time when spending decreases and people go into a hibernation state. Throw in an election year, escalating interest rates and people are choosing to make cuts in preparation.
Proven by the past, we’ll come out of our cryogenics, a puff of gas and a sci-fi woosh and find the world is still here. Then we’ll all scramble to catch up with everything we’ve been putting on hold and stand in line as businesses cope with the sudden spike in enquiries.
This is the perfect time to wake up when others are sleeping and plan to be a step ahead of your competition instead. Stay sensible with your spending, but if your business will be here when the gas clears, make sure you’re ready like this:
- Re-negotiate your advertising for 23-24 – there are bargains to be had now. Better, once you have found savings re-invest this into a 6-month package at today’s rates. This will catch your competitors napping.
- Sales funnel. List the leads and rank them green to red. Make sure you’re speaking with them. 90 days+ and they forget you.
- From your sales, is your brand saying the things about you these customers need to hear?
- Is signage clean and undamaged, your showroom or reception clear, update the address or phone numbers on your brochures and business cards – or are you still handwriting on the old ones? Of course not!
- Again, there are some bargains to be had with printers and agencies if you need some updates made.
This is a time to work on your business, so you are ahead of the curve. Start now, break it down into small steps. You’ll be surprised how much energy you’ll have when you know you are going to be better prepared. Better still, invite a brand audit as these are often free. You know your business best, although sometimes we need someone looking from the outside in.
And most of all, take a breath and remember why you are doing this. Knowing your ‘Why’ and taking a moment will help you find the ‘How’ to be your version of awesome.
Chris Norris – Truth Seeker Cert. MKTG | MCC | Cert. Typography
Former Chairman of Business Whangaparaoa and Board Member for Silverdale Business. He is also a mentor with the Business Mentors Programme at MBIE. Now running a locally focussed branding business. Allbrand.co.nz – Revealing the truth in businesses. If you are passionate about something you already have a true story. Get in touch to seek it: Chris@allbrand.co.nz
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