"How to Grow Your Business in a Tough Economy"

[Victoria Player]

By Victoria Player, the "Online Marketing Coach"

In light of the current economic climate many small business owners are experiencing a sense of impending gloom and are gripped by fear, insecurity and uncertainty. Little do they know that this is THE perfect time to build a strong and successful business by helping others succeed? In this article I share how you can step into your greatness, even during a recession.

I know many of you reading this now run a service-based business. Whether you're a coach, consultant, speaker or any other service-based professional this is a time of massive opportunity for you. The tactics of the past no longer work. Greed and opportunism are out and genuine, heart-based, conscious businesses are swiftly filling the breach.

As providers of a service you're in the perfect position to impact the lives of your prospects and clients in a positive way at a time when they need you MOST! This economy gives you the perfect setting for your strengths to shine through. You have the ability to gauge a need, serve, and share and affect positive change for others more quickly than larger organisations. In order to do this you must utilise your networks, build effective relationships and have the correct Internet structures in place. I've devised some tips to help get your started: -

1. Build Your List, Show People Who You Are

Your prospects and clients STILL need your information; they STILL need your services. In fact, it is likely that they need you now more than ever. This is why it's vital to build a list of people who want what you're offering and who know you. Show them that you care enough to stay in touch. Let them know that you ARE there for them when they need you. This isn't about hard sell. You must take time to build relationships and understand who you serve. When money is tight people think long and hard before parting with their hard earned cash. Who would you invests in, a stranger or someone who understands your needs, who’s demonstrated that they can fulfil those needs and who has repeatedly taken time to help you and make a genuine connection?

2. Be Consistent, Show Up Every Time!

When you've built your list it's important that you get in front of people over and over again. Show up at least once each week whether it's at an event, through the publication of your ezine or by holding a teleclass. You must be in front of people. You must be visible. Share something personal about you. Make a genuine connection with your audience in the same way that you would if you were chatting to a friend. Don’t forget that people buy from people. They don’t buy from businesses! So, the fortune really is in the connection and the follow-up. Without it your business will not survive this economic downturn.

3. Offer Masses of Valuable Content, Give Them Something to Remember

Your clients need you to demonstrate that you can help them now more than ever. You must be prepared to offer help and assistance even before money has changed hands. Show them exactly HOW you can help them by positioning yourself as THE expert. Let them sample your expertise to help re-establish trust. Be prepared to go above and beyond and offer REAL value. When you give, you will receive and it will be you that people remember. It will be you that they come back to and purchase from. Be prepared to go the extra mile, offer more than your competitors. Offer EXTREME value and it will be you that people think of at the point when they are ready to buy.

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Victoria Player works with coaches and small service-based businesses. Want increase your online visibility, position yourself as an expert and attracting more of your IDEAL clients without the need to sell? Get your FREE audio training program packed full of practical how-to marketing advice for attracting repeat and increased business each and every month, visit www.VictoriaPlayer.com