5 Secrets For Small Business Success

5 Secrets For Small Business Success
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Drew_Stevens]Drew Stevens

It is the best of times; it is the worst of times, immortal words written by Charles Dickens more than 200 years ago. Numerous businesses are struggling with both profits and productivity. While the current recession weighs heavily many organizations are doing well despite the storm. So how can organizations rise from the economic quagmire? What can be done to ensure success and what might be done to prolong a business' existence?

First, it is imperative to understand that 90% of the economic wealth within the United States stems from small business. Entrepreneurs are the economic backbone to our society- not complex business.

1) Many years ago, management guru Peter Drucker stated that there is only one reason that organizations are in business- the customer. The customer is the focus for everything; sales, marketing, research and development, even finances.

2) Cultivate Relationships. It costs 10 times more to develop a new client than sell an existing one. Current clients are the lifeblood of every successful business. Get to know your clients.

3) Driving Force. Strategy is the framework that guides those choices which determine the nature and direction of an organization. To encourage useful thought and to build a clear and concise strategy, business owners should be seeking answers to the following questions:

• What is the thrust or focus for future business development?
• What is the scope of products and markets that will and will not-be considered?
• What are the future emphasis or priority and mix for products and markets that fall within that scope?
• What key capabilities are required to make the strategic vision a reality?
• What does this vision imply for growth and return expectations?

4) Amplify Marketing. History proves that recessions are the best times to increase the market's awareness and perception of your products and services. Recessionary times call for aggressive measures and one of the best strategies when others are retreating is to increase marketing. As competitors tightly control advertising to balance profit streams, a recession is a great time to overtake ridiculous budget habits

5) One for all and All for One. The final principle of success in every business is the ability of all involved working to fulfill the needs of the organizations most important asset- the customer. 45% of every client interaction involves customer service and support. It is imperative for all companies to follow the rule of the Three P's - People, Processes and Physical Evidence

The best organizations understand the need for a clear vision, have created strategies to circumnavigate the issues and remained focused on the customer. If your organization is moving astray, review the 5 principles, make a 30-day plan, create some action and watch your margins and success soar!

Copyright 2009 Drew Stevens PhD. All rights reserved.

There are 7 techniques you can use daily to assist you preparation efforts. Get the 7 Secrets to Sales Preparation by emailing me today. Ask about our Free 30 Minutes "Sales Acceleration Coaching Clinic" to help you gain immediate sales result!

©2009. Drew J. Stevens Ph. D. All rights reserved.

Drew Stevens PhD is one of the worlds leading experts in sales and sales skills. Dr. Drew is the author of six books including Split Second Selling and the soon to be released Ultimate Business Bible. With over 25 years of sales experience and business leader, Dr. Drew has extensive experience in assisting both entrepreneurs and selling professionals to experience higher efficiency and effectiveness. He is also the creator of the Sales Leadership Certificate one of only 14 programs in the United States offering an accredited degree in the profession of selling and has a top ranked podcast called Sales Fitness offering tips and techniques that immediately improve selling performance.

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