Ghost stories have been used to instill fear in the masses for centuries. Every October, a new slew of horror films is released, and many of these stories revolve around ghosts.
On the West End in London, a play is usually running year-round whose sole purpose is to scare the *@&#% out of audiences with an old-school ghost story. No one can freak people out with only a rocking chair quite like the English.
Ghost stories are also warnings. Like karma, ghosts serve as reminders that if you intentionally choose to do something harmful, it could return to haunt you and those that you care about. Even in the afterlife. Wha-ha-ha-haaaaa!
Do you want the story of your business to be a success story or a ghost story? If your business is haunting you more than profiting you, you might have a ghost story on your hands. Here’re some symptoms that your business may be more of an apparition than a presence.
- Not Enough Sales If your revenue doesn’t cover your expenses, then you’re constantly worried about where your next client is coming from.A new strategy might be finding a way to increase sales with your current clients instead of grasping at straws. Obsessing about what you don’t have is nowhere near as effective as taking action with what you already possess. People will be more interested in becoming your client if your business is already profitable.
Utilize case studies about your most successful clients, and showcase the results you helped them create. Testimonials and case studies are one of the most effective marketing strategies you can rely upon.
- Mostly a Referral Business Almost all experts will agree that referrals are essential to maximizing sales. They also concur that the vast majority of salespeople mistakenly don’t ask their clients for referrals.However, referrals aren’t controllable, so therefore they’re not sustainable. Many business owners have called me in a panic because their referral sources have dried up, and subsequently so have their clients.
Create systems that remind you to ask for the referral. Try calling previous clients and asking if they have any contacts who could benefit from your services. Spending one afternoon implementing this tactic could expand your client roster quickly.
- No Proactive Sales Campaign It’s vitally important to track leads. A new sales campaign needs to be crafted with a dual purpose— maintaining the interest of your current leads while drawing in new leads. You should simultaneously cater to the interests of those you know would be intrigued by what you have to offer while focusing on those who might be.Fortune is in the follow up. Successful campaigns involve staying in touch with the leads you already have, as well as actively searching out new ones. Leverage automation software like autoresponders and follow up systems that help you from letting leads fall through the cracks.
Each of these strategies are proven techniques that can help you make sure that your business isn’t a ghost of your imagination that haunts you around the clock, but a success story that makes everyone better for being a part of it.
Happy Halloweeeeeeeen!!