How do you increase business profits? Answer the following questions carefully, and you'll have a good start.
1. Can you increase the average sale? A restaurant with 25% profit margins might make 50% on additional sales to existing customers (less labor to bag one large order than two smaller ones). Asking "What would you like to drink with that?" works, and it's just a start.
2. What's the least expensive way to get a customer? Before you spend another thousand dollars advertising to get new customers, could you get as much business by spending a few hours contacting previous or existing customers?
3. What low risk ideas can you try? I once sent a letter to several visiting basketball teams, inviting them to visit our restaurant, and giving the coach a free meal as an incentive. The cost? Two dollars. The pay off was two busloads of customers. At that rate, you could increase your business profits even if nine out of ten ideas fail.
4. Have you tested prices? I knew a store that sold a product for a $1.05, that cost them $1.00. At a price of $1.20, it is doubtful that they'd lose half their sales, but if they did, they'd still make twice the profit. Some things even sell better at a higher price. Test.
5. Can you measure your advertising results? How do you know that you're not spending more for a customer than they're worth? Coupons, customer surveys and other methods of measurement are a must.
6. How do you know your customers are satisfied? The worst restaurant meal we ever ate went down without a comment, but we never returned to that restaurant. Maybe the owner should be talking to the customers.
7. Can you enhance the percieved value of your product? Years ago, I sold walking sticks for $10 at flea markets, and $20 at craft shows. Sometimes location alone can enhance the percieved value of a product. What else can you do?
8. What are similar businesses doing? See what your successful competitors are doing. Can you do the same?
9. What other products can you sell? There's a reason stores have candy and magazines near the checkout. Extra sales are a great way to increase business profits.
10. Can you use your customers as salesmen? Word of mouth is a start, but what other ways can you get your customers to bring their friends to you?
These were culled from a longer list. I call it "stolen business ideas," because I can't credit the original authors. I took them where I found them over the years, with grattitude, but without notes.
Steve Gillman has been studying every aspect of money for thirty years. You can find more interesting and useful information on his website; http://www.everythingaboutmoney.info
no-contract cleaning service Mundelein ..You have seen their ads and you may have wondered... Read More
Cross cultural differences can and do impede upon communication and... Read More
Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle SeriesNext: SalesWe've already... Read More
What is Choice Theory (CT)? CT is a theory of... Read More
Are you not sure what Business to buy? Need to... Read More
As a counselor, therapist or healing professional (massage therapist, physiotherapist,... Read More
In building and runnng an independent private practice or small... Read More
One way links will help you gain better rankings in... Read More
mistake #1: rely just on financial statementsProfit and loss, revenue... Read More
So many people I worked with said they got more... Read More
Here are seven excellent ways to earn income from international... Read More
Do you know exactly what actions you need to do... Read More
You need sales and you wanted them yesterday. Here are... Read More
Do you want to be #1-10 on Google and other... Read More
1. Maintain regular working hours and stick to them.2. Get... Read More
So you have set up your company, fairly established and... Read More
Authors/publishers are great at getting their books written. Entrepreneurs know... Read More
The lack of strong boundaries is one of the chief... Read More
Here are some simple tips to help you improve your... Read More
10 Ways to Boost your ProfitabilitySo many business owners work... Read More
For most business owners and entrepreneurs, preparing, and communicating the... Read More
If you are thinking of starting a new business, or... Read More
With today's technology and people's need for more information it... Read More
A lot of people are at a loss when it... Read More
1. Make a clear, specific commitment to what you want.... Read More
maid service near Glenview ..Authors/publishers are great at getting their books written. Entrepreneurs know... Read More
1. Focus on the other Being known as a... Read More
In my career, I have had a total of 3... Read More
Although dentistry may appear to be different than other types... Read More
If you're a beginner, starting a website doesn't have to... Read More
You have a great idea you know is a winner.... Read More
What would You do with $1,000,000With $1 Million would you:?... Read More
Never in history have more entrepreneurs launched more new businesses!... Read More
As a counselor, therapist or healing professional (massage therapist, physiotherapist,... Read More
How many of us have been in a position where... Read More
Talk to Your People Often By building a great... Read More
Clarity is an absolutely essential ingredient for you to achieve... Read More
Not having a business card is as bad as using... Read More
Leadership, leadership development and leadership training are "Hot" issues in... Read More
Do your remember when you first ventured out in the... Read More
Do you plan events for the corporate world like product... Read More
Here are a few ideas to get you started, all... Read More
1. Locks and Padlocks ? Locks on all outside entrances... Read More
Imagine if you were going to address a stadium full... Read More
Does your business have a money tree you can shake... Read More
Many new coaches struggle to attract their first client. Often,... Read More
The following tips are from an article we contributed to... Read More
Let's put to rest the fallacy that success, in sales... Read More
Advertising executive Alex F. Osborne first coined the word "brainstorming"... Read More
Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle SeriesNext: SalesWe've already... Read More
Top Quick Tips |