1. Create some space

Spring is in the air, so get freshening up. Space is optimum so it's time to clear out and grab some space; it’s never been so sought after.

Kitchens are now a “great space for dining”, outside your house your garden’s become an “ideal outdoor space” and you can rent yourself some extra space at any number of storage units. It’s a buzz-word that isn’t going away and somehow with space comes an increased price tag. Look at the adverts, the more white space there is, the more expensive the product. The fewer words you have to read implies an heir of superiority.

Clear some space on your desk and set-aside time to ensure you’re not filling your marketing with unnecessary words.

Saying less is more.

2. Get organised

Your time is money; organise it efficiently. If necessary work out your hourly rate. Be honest about how much time you waste and then calculate the cost of this for the year. Are you grabbing one of the five diaries you were sent last December already?

Being organised costs nothing but is crucial to success.

3. Spend wisely

Working out all the figures may seem like going back to the drawing board, but if you want to make money you need to be able to justify all your investments. Now more than ever you need to know the lifetime value of your clients.

If you haven’t already read it, have a look at the free report on the website “How to create more value from existing clients” just follow this link.

4. There may be trouble ahead

Financial news isn’t the happiest at the moment, but despite the reported ‘credit crunch’ there are always some companies who will continue to flourish.

Don’t get blinkered into thinking it’s all doom and gloom. Keep watching for the growers and market yourself in their direction. You need to be in the forefront of their thoughts when they need you.

5. Play to your advantage

In uncertain times where budgets are under closer scrutiny than ever, keep contacting your client base. Firms are more likely to stick to what they know and who they know, than choose a new service elsewhere when money is top of the agenda.

It’s cheaper for you and less risky for them.

6. When everyone's cutting back&help; &help; Offer More!

By adding more value to what your customer already buys from you. It’ll be appreciated and you get more ROI. Many things cost nothing but improve your life: good manners, smiling at strangers and saying hello, looking at the natural world and wondering at its beauty. The bulbs are working hard to brighten things up so do your bit.

7. Social networks

Don’t be flawed into thinking social networks are ‘just for teenagers’. It’s true that the under 25s have taken advantage of them so far and to their credit have, in some cases, enjoyed enormous success.

Have a look at one or two and get the gist of what’s going on; see if it could work for you. There’s no financial investment apart from your time but, now that you’re keeping a close eye on time management, set yourself a limit. Otherwise you may discover you’ve missed lunch and the dog’s about to eat your dinner!

8. Go Green

The environment isn’t going anywhere, but concern for the environment and our impact on it is huge… and still growing. It’s easy to find ways in which your company can play a part in helping to reduce our negative effects, that won’t cost the Earth*. And you’d be surprised how many people prioritise this when looking for services.

* apologies for dreadful joke!.

9. Get together

When was the last time you and your colleagues had a good old brainstorm?

You’ll be amazed how many ideas people have that are rejected before being thought through. Pool all your ideas. Two heads are better than one and with some development it might just work.

Dust off your flip-chart and dig out a black marker, get some heads together. All ideas should be thought through before they are binned.

10. Rekindle an old flame

There are bound to be people you haven’t contacted for a while. We all get too involved with current projects. Before you know it six months has flown by without any thought for people who have been on your client list for over twelve0 months.

Get in touch with everyone and remind them of the benefits you offer.

10½. There's a win win situation in a soft sell

Do you like a brash salesman?

Only yesterday I had to purchase a new display for my computer. And having only 30 minutes to choose I wasn’t in the mood for Mr. Showcase to talk at me. Luck was on my side, though and along came Mr.

I’m-so-laid-back-you-just-buy-whichever-one-you-want.  Most notably he was polite, he didn’t push me towards the more expensive range and on showing an interest in one particular display, he went on to point out its downfalls! In fact if anything I talked myself into the sale because there was very little sales patter on his behalf, apart of course from the clincher - that I could return it if I wasn’t 100% happy.

So how did it work?

Space, he gave me loads of it.

No hard sell, it was almost blancmange telling me only what I needed to know.

With the bonus of no internet delivery charges, I left the shop with a definite Spring in my step!

Famous feet

David Beckham
Footballer
Shoe size: 9