Monday, December 13, 2010

With businesses large and small facing severe challenges in he current economical climate, the question is why is it that only certain businesses and industries seem to be struggling. Surely the same economic conditions apply to everyone? Looking at research studies and results created by various firms, this does not seem to be the case. The key to getting through challenging times is often ensuring that you have a flexible business plan.

Unsurprisingly when looking at organisations such as Hewlitt Packard, Electorlux, Apple computers and a few select others it seems that th impact of the economy has had much less of an impact. The answer to their success in not a ingenious formula, superior promotional or prices strategies but good old fashioned marketing research and product and service development in response to their findings. It comes down to the simple fact that we need to be sensitive to the needs of our clients and respond to their changing needs on a continuous basis.

As a small business owner at the moment, talking about growth seems almost unheard of. So what can we do as small business owners in order to grow our businesses.

1) Be positive in what you do, with who you communicate and the messages you give to your clients
2) Understand your clients, know what their needs are, how they change on a continuous basis and what is important to them
3) Communicate with your clients. Speak to them, ask them questions, and react to what they tell you.
4) Don’t remain stuck with what use to work last year. Your winning formula for business needs to incorporate change or you will find yourself as part of a statistic of failure.
5) Be pro-active in product and service development, be innovative with what you offer your clients and continuously do more of what works and less of what does not.

A great way to implement the above, and something that continues to work for organisations as diverse as the BBC, Harvard Medical School and more small businesses than what you can imagine is, the utilisation of a business coach. If your business is looking for growth, change or increased profit, do yourself a favour and start working with a Coach, even if it is initially only on a short term trail basis.

To your success,

Ben Botes

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