Link This | Email this | Blog This | Comments (0)

Tossing out the SUVs: 10 ways to help your employees, yourself and your customers
July 17, 2008

U.S. cars sales fell to a 10-year low in June with buyers shunning SUVs and monster trucks all together.  For the first time in many years, I drive by car lots and see two big changes: (1) the MPG is posted on the windshields agaun and (2) small, more fuel efficient cars are lining the streets, instead of being tucked in the very back behind the hulking SUVs.  I've heard about (but haven't witnessed yet) the housing slump happening in states around the country, and people dumping their houses through raffles before they hit foreclosure.  With the fear of a big recession, or another Great Depression, on consumers' minds, how can small businesses stay in the forefront of people's mind?  Small things add up, so it's easier than you think.  Here are 10 ways to help your employees, yourself and your customers:

1.  Act locally.  Remind your customers you're a locally owned and operated business.  And advertise locally.

2.  Run local promotions.  For those who live close to you, offer a discount.  For those to live further away and drive to shop with you, offer them a greater discount.

3.  Advertise free shipping and adjust the prices to absorb the costs.

4.  Ask someone who's been retired for a while what it was like to run a business back in the 50s when the economy was booming from the War, but the way of life was slower paced and people were calmer.  They'll tell stories about how people cared for each other, and being nice and patient was expected.  Follow suit...

5.  Update your website with specials, promotions, and clearance items.

6.  Downsize the office, turn off the lights at night, or move the office back home to save on gas.

7.  Offer one or more days a week where employees can work remotely to save on their gas.

8.  Volunteer:  Social-minded activities reward in spades.

9.  Offer delivery service so people can save on their own gas.

10.  Reward referrals.

Additional things to consider:
Updating your market search so you can stay competitive
Promote green / eco-activity
Follow up on your marketing activity

Posted by Suze Bragg on July 17, 2008 | Comments (0)