A missed opportunity can be costly

Imagine this scenario: One of your interior design customers casually mentions she just hired someone to design her front window displays. You, slightly shocked, mention that your company does front window displays, which your customer sheepishly admits she never knew. Ouch. Here are a few tips to keep this situation from happening to your business:

• Anticipate - When it comes to current customers, have the foresight to see where your company's products and services may be valuable and offer your help.
• Re-Evaluate Your Website and Collateral - Are your marketing materials an accurate representation of all your company has to offer? You only have seconds to cross sell current customers or grab a potential customer's attention, so make sure your products and services are immediately clear.
• Get the Word Out - Be proactive. Send emails, brochures or direct marketing to referral sources, prospects and current clients on a consistent basis (people have very short memories :-)).

Earlier this year, North Star sent out brochures to 100 prospects, referrals and clients, describing who we are and what we do. The brochure was an effective way for us to ensure businesses could identify ways we could help them grow. The results of the initiative were impressive: we received great feedback, including calls and emails that led to new business. Read more about our referral marketing campaign on our current WSN.