Women's Network February 2019 | Page 31

business strategy 01. BRAND RECOGNITION AND REPUTATION if you think that what others say about your business or service doesn’t matter then you might need to rethink this. Social media has become a very powerful tool for shaping what is trending in the market place regarding goods and services. If you own a franchise then what happens to one affects them all. This is especially relevant when it comes to products that may be recalled. Industries where there has been ongoing public and government scrutiny like the financial services and banking industry can also have a negative impact if you are in a related business. 02. PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE is powerful. If you and your staff can clearly articulate the benefits of what you have to offer then you are half way there to making the sale. People are becoming more consciously aware of supply chains and their own carbon footprint. They want more environmentally friendly products that are not tested on animals and are manufactured closer to home, rather than imported from overseas. AUTHOR CHRIS KNIGHT Director, Inspirational Connections https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris- knight-906a7034 03. FEEDBACK do you follow up on whether your clients are enjoying the benefits of your products and services? Do you offer them a discount on their next purchase or visit? If not, why not? 04. REFERRALS rewarding your existing clients and business associates when they provide a referral can be a very cost effective investment rather than spending thousands of dollars on a marketing campaign. 05. COMPASSION a little touch of humanity can go a long way in increasing your client base by sponsoring an event and or offering a percentage of sales to a chosen charity. Happiness is my key focus word for 2019. When I know that the TIME that I have spent with my clients has made a difference to them then I know that I am fulfilling my heart’s desire to Live My Dreams, and to help others to Define, to Catch and to Live Their Dreams too. Remember that we are a Collective Network of Amazing Women who build trusting relationships to support our successful business to continue to thrive and we are more powerful when we work together.