Don’t Believe All The Media Hype

Okay, okay.  There’s no doubt we’re sitting smack dab in the middle of a huge economic mess.  Fuel prices are more rise than fall these days.  Jobs are being cut left and right.  The cost of food and other necessities are rising along with the summer heat.  We’re definitely facing some challenges we’ve been immune to for quite some time now.  However, that doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom.

Believe it or not, people are still spending money.  If you drive past any popular restaurante, or your local shopping mall, or check out your favorite hot spots, chances are there are still people inside and business is taking place.  That’s right, people are still spending money!

What this means for the small business owner is that you’ve got to figure out how to get in on this action that’s still taking place.  In terms of lawn care and landscaping, it means finding ways to continually attract new customers, sell more to the customers you already have, and sell more frequently.

How do you do this?  Well, here are a few quick suggestions to help you not just survive, but really thrive in today’s up and down economy:

• Target prospects that still have the disposable income and willingness to spend it.  While you may need to adjust your sites, there’s still plenty of opportunity within these target groups.
•  Differentiate yourself from you competition.  And I’m not talking about lowering your prices.  In spite of the tighten wallets, people are still willing to spend money on things that make their life better.  One of the best ways to set yourself apart is to have a carefully crafted marketing message that clearly lays out the ways you’re different and better than your competition.
• Under promise and over deliver.  If you provide a valuable service at a fair price (notice I didn’t say ‘cheap’), people will pay for it IF what they get in return is equal to the price they pay.  In fact, give them MORE than what they pay for you and you’ll soon have a flood of new business as a result of super-satisfied clients that tell all their friends and neighbors about you.
• Become the ‘expert’.  People like working with experts and anytime you can establish yourself as the ‘go to guy’,people will seek you out.  Look for opportunities to establish your credibility and knowledge and watch your business grow.
• View your clients as a relationship and not just a transaction.  People like to be appreciated, and not just for the monthly invoice they’re paying.  Letting your customers know who you are, that you’re a real person with likes, dislikes, feelings, and desires will endear you to them and give you a big edge over your competition.  So take just a few minutes to reach out as a person and get to know your clients on a personal level.  You’ll be amazed at the impact it will have on your business.

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