In difficult economic times like these, it is the resourceful companies that manage to stay afloat. One way you can possibly give your company that needed boost is through identifying and expanding your network.

Your network includes your suppliers, your employees, your subcontractors, friends, family, previous and current clients – essentially anyone who can potentially send business your way. Work these contacts to their full potential. Hand-out business cards, mention that you are looking to expand your business or are offering a new service.

How about creating an incentive program for your employees and even previous clients? For example, when you are finished with a project, hand your client a small flyer with your contact information. If they send someone your way, you will give them a $100 gift certificate to a place of their choosing. Offer a similar program to your employees if they bring in a client.

In addition to strengthening your current network, look for innovative ways to expand and build your circle. Consider sponsoring a local little league or softball team. All you have to do is invest in some uniforms, a trophy, and a sign, and your company is now plastered on the backs of 45 local children two nights per week. (more…)

This is a guest post from John Clements, a Direct Response / Lead Generation Marketing consultant.
www.ClementsMktgGroup.com

Your marketing expenses are probably the biggest variable you can control. Those advertising dollars could directly determine the amount of your profitability. Controlling your marketing is how can you stop wasting money and keep more it!

Now by “control,” I certainly am not advocating unnecessarily limiting your marketing spending; rather, I’m saying — spend wisely.

“How do I spend wisely?” you ask. By knowing absolutely, without question or assumption, what marketing programs or channels are the most to least effective, and eliminating the least effective ones. You can re-direct your marketing resources in those areas that are the most profitable.

Tracking is the answer to knowing what sources are working (or not) for your company, whether they are offers, lists, creative, or channel specific. Which call-center agents or event/show promoters are the most or least effective? Not just the ones that produce the most leads . . . but more importantly, which ones convert those leads/inquiries into the most appointments? And which ones ultimately result in installed business? (more…)