Is Indecision Killing Your Biz?

Are you driving away customers through indecision?

The curious side affect of indecision is that it actually drives business away.

Those stuck in indecision or fear tend to be drawn to others who are stuck in the same place. They subconsciously “leak” vibes that illustrate their mood by use of words, body language and facial expressions. Your indecision might simply show up as withdrawal because you want to be sure to do the RIGHT thing when you do take action.

Now is the time to move from indecision to decision. I challenge you to take action now! Become a client magnet by simply acting on the following.

1. Be the Voice of Reason. How do you do this? Find ways to assure yourself and your customers. Go back to what you know and are passionate about. If you are in the print business, you know that your customers will still need copies and quality service. If you are in telecom, you know your customers will still need phone service, repairs, and upgrades. If you are in personal services, you know consumers will still need services in Real Estate, cosmetics, nutrition, self care, beauty. The needs have not gone away. People will still do business with those they know, like, and trust. Always have. Always will. Reach out and let your community know you are still open for business.

2. Re-tool your products or service offerings. If you are able to adjust your offerings, do so now. Make it easy for your customers to buy from you. I am NOT saying to drop your price or discount. I am suggesting that consumers are buying differently now. If you are able to package, bundle, or break up your offering consider doing it sooner rather than later. If you are in the Portland area, check out our Package your Passion for Profit workshop on this topic.

3. Keep your finger on the pulse. Survey your customers and network. Whether formally or informally, this is a great reason to reach out and touch people. Pick up the phone and ask your customers. Find out the top three things they are doing differently now. Ask what changes they might be making as it relates to your product and service or those of in your network. For example, when I survey folks right now I am not directly asking about consulting or planning. I ask about how they are making decisions about marketing; How they’ve fine tuned their sales process; If they are reducing their outside support services such as bookkeeping, membership organizations, etc. Surveying, if done well can open up new opportunties and more sales. This will also keep you on top of changes in mood keeping you ahead in the game.

4. Commit. I love the quote by Napoleon Hill “The moment you commit and quit holding back, all sorts of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance will rise up to help you. The simple act of commitment is a powerful magnet for help.” It is a fundamental principle through the ages!

5. Hang out with positive, forward thinking people. Build your power team. This is not to deny the recession we are in but rather to accept where we are and do what we can to make a difference in the world. You will be surprised at the difference in your ability to see bigger and take positive action when you see others finding success and opportunity just by their attitude.

Case study: My client, Rob Arps, has steadily been shifting his focus to serve his clients as their businesses change due to budget cuts.

His business is unique. He works with sculptors to produce their end product; either monuments or reductions. He uses state of the art technology and 3D printers along with his team’s artistic ability to streamline the process and produce a high quality product in the art world.

What he is doing differently.

• He added a high quality 3D printer which allows him to do reductions and prototypes in less time in higher quality.
• He added classes on the software he uses along with workshops on the tools at hand to help artists streamline their own services to reduce costs and increase their margins.
• He is also working in other mediums such as wood in addition to the traditional foam and clay.
• He is out “walking around”. Visiting galleries and artists in the community to keep his finger on the pulse.

His first round of classes are sold out. More about his studio at www.AdditiveWorkshop.com

I believe small businesses are going to be instrumental in turning this economy around. Do your part. Look for opportunities to solve problems for your customers and beyond! Decide to do more than survive! Decide to thrive.