Jumpstarting your business in a slow economy

More ideas from the Product Sellers Seminar:

Q. What can someone do when the economy is slow to “jumpstart” their business again if you see there is a negative impact on the business?

A. Here are a few ideas I have tried that have worked for my retail business:

Sampling ~ restaurants do it all the time. Give your product away to get customers. Be sure you are targeting an audience that would buy from you in the first place.

Create a preferred customer event and showcase your products. A local gift basket company has a gift basket open house each year and showcases her latest lines to prospects and clients. She invites local chambers of commerce members, as well as members of other professional groups to which she belongs.  She has a thriving business and only works around the peak holidays. She makes enough to take off 5 months out of the year.

Try classified ads – they are cheaper than graphic ads and can sometimes generate more traffic. People are looking for opportunities in classifieds these days more than ever.  If you have what someone needs your phone will ring.  In fact, I have a list of classified ad media on WE Magazine for Women website.  It is listed under the 100 resources category.  You an grab a copy here:  Getting Classified: 100+ Places to Promote Your Business (including the classifieds in WE Magazine).

Add comment October 1st, 2008