A customer email list can be a valuable communication tool. You can keep your customers updated on sales and promotions and remind them about who you are and what you do.
Before you run out and start emailing everyone in your address book, though, consider this. If you send an email to someone who did not give you permission to contact them, you are sending SPAM.
In order to send emails to your customers, you must have been given permission by that customer in one form or another. Many businesses use sign up sheets or check off boxes on order forms, asking the customer to check a box if they would like to receive emails from you. Most businesses offer a sign up form on the company web site.
Technically, if someone has bought a product or service from you in the past two years, you can email them. However, I believe it is a good idea to get permission anyway.
Whenever you send an email out to your customer list, remind them that they are receiving the newsletter because they signed up for it and provide an easy way for them to unsubscribe.
None of us wants to be known as a spammer. Use your customer email list wisely.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Finding Business Sidelines
Sidelines can be a very profitable source of income for both retail and service businesses. While your main business might be selling books, offering related items such as greeting cards, day planners and bookmarks might turn in to a profitable customer impulse buy.
Service businesses can offer related services, as well. As a web designer, I also offer web content and blog writing services to clients. These customers often have a web site they are happy with, but do not have the time to update it themselves. That is where my services come in.
It can be advantageous to diversify. Never offer something that you cannot deliver and make sure you count the cost first. But a well chosen sideline can be a real boon to your business.
Service businesses can offer related services, as well. As a web designer, I also offer web content and blog writing services to clients. These customers often have a web site they are happy with, but do not have the time to update it themselves. That is where my services come in.
It can be advantageous to diversify. Never offer something that you cannot deliver and make sure you count the cost first. But a well chosen sideline can be a real boon to your business.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Help Your Community and Your Business
One way to help your business and yourself, is to think about ways to help others in the local community. Because of the current economic crisis, local food banks are overtaxed. Fewer donations and more people in need means that more adults and children are going hungry.
How about sponsoring a food drive for the local food bank? It could be a one day event or ongoing. Offer an incentive. Maybe 10% off a service or purchase for everyone who donates a non-perishable food item. Your incentive doesn't have to be big. It is the people helping people idea that counts here. A food drive also reflects well on your business and brings people into your store. It promotes good will and helps people right in your home town.
Click here for a list of food banks in your state.
How about sponsoring a food drive for the local food bank? It could be a one day event or ongoing. Offer an incentive. Maybe 10% off a service or purchase for everyone who donates a non-perishable food item. Your incentive doesn't have to be big. It is the people helping people idea that counts here. A food drive also reflects well on your business and brings people into your store. It promotes good will and helps people right in your home town.
Click here for a list of food banks in your state.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Tips for Success While Working at Home
As someone who has worked from home for many years, I know the rewards and the pitfalls that entails. It is wonderful to be able to skip the commute, head for the office in the morning and start to work right away. I am a morning person, so the earlier I get to the computer, the better. I also know that it is much easier to get sidetracked while working at home. Partners, kids, neighbors, pets, even the tv can take your mind off of what you should be doing.
Below are some strategies that might help you stay focused on the job at hand and still enjoy the benefits of working at home.
1) Keep regular office hours.
2) Close your office door if you have a problem with kids, partners, even pets interrupting you during office hours. Instruct family members to leave you alone if that door is closed.
3) Take breaks and lunch, just as you would if you worked in a regular workplace office.
4) If possible, the office should be in a room of its own, rather than the corner of the dining room or wherever. This will keep your "work" space separate from your "living" space.
Of course, working at home allows you to make your own choices about how you work. If you don't mind the cat coming in to keep you company once in awhile, great! But, if it becomes a problem, you can always close the door.
Below are some strategies that might help you stay focused on the job at hand and still enjoy the benefits of working at home.
1) Keep regular office hours.
2) Close your office door if you have a problem with kids, partners, even pets interrupting you during office hours. Instruct family members to leave you alone if that door is closed.
3) Take breaks and lunch, just as you would if you worked in a regular workplace office.
4) If possible, the office should be in a room of its own, rather than the corner of the dining room or wherever. This will keep your "work" space separate from your "living" space.
Of course, working at home allows you to make your own choices about how you work. If you don't mind the cat coming in to keep you company once in awhile, great! But, if it becomes a problem, you can always close the door.
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