10 Ways to Get Your Business Booming

If you're an entrepreneur, then you know that it takes more than just a fictitious business name and an open door to be successful. Business guru and author of Seven Figures in Seven Years, Michael Masterson, offers sound advice to blooming business owners in an online publication "Early to Rise". Masterson gives his own insightful tips on small business growth as he reflects on some ideas he has given to his professional masseuse in Nicaragua on how to turn her skills as a massage therapist into a six-figure income.

Gleaning from this informative volume, is a list of strategies to aid in the growth of businesses that are either new or small, to rapidly increase income on a limited budget. Most of the strategies listed may be applicable to any small business and should be considered in helping your own business growth.

1.Write Articles
Consider writing articles for local publications and other national magazines and websites (even your own site). Write about what you know and establish yourself as an expert. You are passionate about your business (or you know at least something about it) therefore you should be able to impart some of your knowledge to the public.

2.Carry business cards
The number one rule of networking: keep business cards on you at all times. Make them attractive. Make them pleasant. Make your message known. With every available opportunity, you should be able to whip them out. The back should provide a good reason to call you for business.

3.Get your customers' email
Construct a list of email addresses for, not just every customer, but also every person who has made an inquiry about your product or service. Send a brief monthly upbeat and informative letter to this list. Announce new products and/or services you are developing. This provides your customers with both useful news and showcases your expertise. According to Masterson, this email list is the most valuable tool a small businessperson has.

4.Advertise in local newspapers and magazines
You may want to wait until your business is generating more cash than you need before advertising in newspapers and magazines, as they can be a bit expensive. However, when the time does come to buy ad space, never pay full rate and don't get talked into taking multiple ads. Run small ads here and there until you find something that works.

5. Offer multiple discounts
You can double or even triple your income when you ask customers to buy future services up front. Masterson uses the example of his masseuse offering three different types of treatment packages for her massage business. However, if you are selling product, you can also offer a discount on multiple sales of a product bought at once. Shoe stores do this all the time with their "buy two get the third pair for half off" sales.

6. Create "pass-along" discount cards
Give your customers three pre-printed "pass-along" cards for a one time or introductory discount. On the card, briefly list products or services you offer and say something like, "You are entitled to a (fill in the blank)% discount on (insert product or service here), courtesy of (blank space to write in the customer's name).

When you give these cards to your customers, be sure to specifically tell them to pass the cards on to their family and friends. According to Masterson, the chances that the card will be passed along increase 1,000 percent when the request is verbal.

7. Make personal appearances
Give free demonstrations for organizations or at places your customers frequent. Don't be shy. Every appearance should also end with a polished, low-key pitch that sells your products or services.

8. Advertise on your phone message
If you have any specials going on, let your customers know before the end of your message. Every time a customer calls and gets your answering machine or voice mail, that customer, says Masterson, should be given a reason to call back and do more business with you. It's a small thing that can potentially bring great results.

9. Maximize posters and flyers
Think about where your customers and/or potential customers congregate and put up printed advertisement. Try to avoid paying to post your posters and rely instead on the friendly relationships you nurture with employees and storeowners. You can also barter your product or services to compensate.

10. Create and maintain your website
Don't worry, your website does not have to be too elaborate. It could be as simple as some graphics that represent your service and/or product, your credentials and a list of services along with your contact information.

If you haven't already, mindfully master your valued service or design your product and incorporate these strategies into your marketing plan to generate great profit. If you've already mastered a service or product, for most people, you're already ahead in the game.