Are you tired of the roller coaster ride, at least when it comes to your business?

Are you frustrated with doing nicely one month and being desperate for cash flow the next? If you want to beat that feast- famine cycle that many solo entrepreneurs experience there are some simple things you can do that will definitely smoothen the ride.

The key to regular business income is regular marketing. Some people market until they have some clients, and then they get so busy with clients they lose their marketing focus and simply stop marketing. Don't make that mistake. Instead, continue to market yourself so you don't have to start from scratch and build up the momentum again when you need more clients.

Fortunately, such ongoing marketing doesn't have to be hard or expensive. Here are some key strategies that will help you keep that funnel filled practically on autopilot:

1. Network all the time

Don't just network when you're at networking events. Have your cards with you and make a habit out of talking with people everywhere you go. That way, you continue to meet new people who might be potential prospects or who might send you referrals.

2. Focus on developing referral partners

The great thing about referral partners is that if you have established relationships and keep nurturing them, they'll send you referrals over and over. Start by seeking out other biz owners who service or have access to your same ideal target clients. Getting that steady stream of referrals will really smooth out any ups and downs in your business - in the upward direction!

3. Be visible and credible online

Have a website and a blog, and be active in social media. And demonstrate your expertise by writing articles, posting on your blog and contributing to discussions. It's important to be visible - you want people to see you wherever they go. It's equally important to be credible as well, so be selective about the venues you use.

4. Be consistent online

In addition to being visible, you also need to make sure you aim for consistency. Don't spread yourself too thin. Instead of trying to have a "presence" on every new forum or platform that comes along, focus on a select few and participate on a regular basis. It's about being part of a community.

5. Communicate regularly - online and offline

And speaking of consistency... Be sure to send out a quality newsletter - and do so regularly. Predictability builds trust. The people on your list should be able to count on your newsletter and information. When they know they can count on your newsletter to arrive like clockwork, they're more likely to purchase one of your services as well.

And communicating regularly is not only important online but also offline. Stay in touch with your contacts and even your former clients. That way, you'll be front-of-mind when they need your services.

As you can see, it doesn't take expensive ongoing advertising campaigns or aggressive marketing. With a few simple steps and attention to opportunities that come up, you'll find that you can easily grow the number of prospects year-round. And that will go a long way towards getting off the rollercoaster and start smoothening out those ups and downs in your business

Talk to you again soon

In meeting with many of my clients the past few weeks, when I asked them how their businesses are doing, many of them say, “Slow!” Contacts who expressed interest don’t return phone calls, missed appointments aren’t rescheduled, and buying decisions are delayed.

Any business can slip into a slow period. But, the trick is to know WHAT to do to get your business back on track as quickly as possible…and better yet, HOW to avoid slipping into a slow slump in it in the first place.

Here are 4 tips I personally use to coach my clients out of slow business period:

Tip #1 Reach Out and Touch Someone

When a sales slump hits, your energy seems to drain away as well. Before you know it, you hardly have the energy to open your email much less put out the effort to market your business.

The solution to this problem is actually very simple. You MUST reach out and reconnect with past and current clients. Send out an email to your clients, past clients and business associates, explaining the benefits of working with you, and ask for a referral. Include a f-r-e-e article as a way of demonstrating value, and you may find you’re on the path to picking up new clients in a few weeks (I have seen this happen!).

Tip #2 Remind Yourself You’re “Not Bugging” Someone by Contacting Them

If you have clients, who haven’t used a package they purchased from you or have missed appointments without rescheduling, then it is up to you to reach out to them. I recommend making a friendly call, or sending a hand written note reminding them you want them to get the results of the service they purchased. You’ll be surprised at how often your clients express appreciation and gratitude at your thoughtfulness for reminding them to use your services!

Tip #3 Refocus on Your Business

Sometimes sales slip because our attention and focus has been directed on anything BUT our business. If that’s the case, then this is the time to give yourself a break, stop feeling guilty, and give yourself the breathing room to make a fresh start. Set small daily goals that include reconnecting with past clients and colleagues, then build up your energy and actions from there.

Tip #4 Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Twice each year, spend a couple of days evaluating my goals and income, and then take a fresh look at where you’re headed with your business. The start of a new year is a perfect time to do this activity, as well as the end of every quarter year.

This allows you to plan new events, programs, and product launches that will keep your income flowing smoothly, and growing year-round.

So, if your sales are slower than you’d like, or you want to 1ncrease your sales, then now is the perfect time to reconnect to WHY you do what you do, reach out to WHO you love working with the most, then follow up, follow up, follow up to keep your relationships strong and profitable!

How do you get your business out of a sales slump? Share your expertise and write a comment for our readers.

Talk to you again soon

Getting off the Rollercoaster - How to Make Your Business Growth More Consistent

Are you tired of the roller coaster ride, at least when it comes to your business? Are you frustrated with doing nicely one month and being desperate for cash flow the next? If you want to beat that feast- famine cycle that many solo entrepreneurs experience there are some simple things you can do that will definitely smoothen the ride.

The key to consistent business growth is regular marketing. Some people market until they have some clients, and then they get so busy with clients they lose their marketing focus and simply stop marketing. Don't make that mistake. Instead, continue to market yourself so you don't have to start from scratch and build up the momentum again when you need more clients.
Fortunately, such ongoing marketing doesn't have to be hard or expensive. Here are some key strategies that will help you keep that funnel filled practically on autopilot:

1. Network all the time

Don't just network when you're at networking events. Have your cards with you and make a habit out of talking with people everywhere you go. That way, you continue to meet new people who might be potential prospects or who might send you referrals.

2. Focus on developing referral partners

The great thing about referral partners is that if you have established relationships and keep nurturing them, they'll send you referrals over and over. Start by seeking out other biz owners who service or have access to your same ideal target clients. Getting that steady stream of referrals will really smooth out any ups and downs in your business - in the upward direction!

3. Be visible and credible online

Have a website and a blog, and be active in social media. And demonstrate your expertise by writing articles, posting on your blog and contributing to discussions. It's important to be visible - you want people to see you wherever they go. It's equally important to be credible as well, so be selective about the venues you use.

4. Be consistent online

In addition to being visible, you also need to make sure you aim for consistency. Don't spread yourself too thin. Instead of trying to have a "presence" on every new forum or platform that comes along, focus on a select few and participate on a regular basis. It's about being part of a community.

5. Communicate regularly - online and offline

And speaking of consistency... Be sure to send out a quality newsletter - and do so regularly. Predictability builds trust. The people on your list should be able to count on your newsletter and information. When they know they can count on your newsletter to arrive like clockwork, they're more likely to purchase one of your services as well.

And communicating regularly is not only important online but also offline. Stay in touch with your contacts and even your former clients. That way, you'll be front-of-mind when they need your services.

As you can see, it doesn't take expensive ongoing advertising campaigns or aggressive marketing. With a few simple steps and attention to opportunities that come up, you'll find that you can easily grow the number of prospects year-round.

And that will go a long way towards getting off the rollercoaster and start smoothening out those ups and downs in your business.

Watch out for the next post where we will build on this practice of 'business building.'

Love and respect