“If you don’t drive your business, you will be driven out of business.”—B. C. Forbes
- Find your niche product. Focus on that. Market exclusively the product. Many times people who are starting up their business get too caught in offering it all. Offering it all with little focus on each product is far less productive than offering a few things ( or even one) and giving those things your sole attention. Don’t make your plate too full.
- Keep expanding your reach by adding complimentary goods. If you find one product is a hot seller, then try offering add on products that can be bundled together with that product. Many people shop for a hat and gloves that match or complement each other.
- Increase sales on existing items. Offer two for the price of one deals. Offer a punch card, after so many purchases you get x. While the profit margin might be less, you will gain more sales in the end.
- Hire someone to help you out, even if you have to barter/trade for services. The extra person will give you outsiders prospective as well as foot in the door to another set of potential customers.
- Create a website for virtual customers. It doesn’t have to be a virtual store per say, but increase your online presence overall. Users go to the internet and research before stopping in a store to buy. (I can personally take care of this one for you.)
- Market your business via cheap avenues (chamber of commerce, speaking engagements, email newsletters). Email newsletters are quite effective and relatively cheap. You want to keep reminding those customers about your products and your brands.
- Look into licensing and going retail. Perhaps, your products are gathering enough following to make this step. Strike the iron while it’s hot, if you got it.