December 1st, 2009 - Change Starts With You!
“You must either modify your dreams or magnify your skills.” - Jim Rohn
CLIENT’S QUESTION:
“How does a dinosaur reinvent his business after years of coasting to get back on top, when people are putting off hair appointment and doing their color themselves? I need some stretching and yoga/Pilates for my brain! Any feedback? “- Ryan Baudoin, Owner, Ryan Michael’s Salon
COACH’S COMMENT:
Yes, we have done some articles this year regarding the winds of change in the new economy and what steps to take to adapt, but I did want to respond to your very relevant question Ryan. If you've missed any of my previous articles, you can always find them at www.CookieTuminello.com under Free Resources.
First of all, Ryan, you’re not alone. I work with business owners like you every day that are in the same position. And you’re right – the ‘dinosaur’ is going to have change his way of thinking and get creative to bring in new clients while keeping those that he values.
You’re going to have to get in touch with what your clients want and need, and then produce and offer a service that they literally can’t do without. People are watching their budgets right now, so they want more bang for their buck. You’re also going to have to start asking different questions than the ones you’ve been asking. This will help you get in touch with what they want, what would make them want to purchase your services, and what sets you apart from your competition. They will spend their money if you provide enough value incentive, as in how it makes them feel when they purchase from you. You really need to get creative with scheduling, discounts, and added value and services.
Here are two reinvention tips for you:
- Get clear about what you want your business to look like going forward. What does success look like to you? Who are your ideal clients? What do they want? And better yet, how can YOU give them exactly what they’re looking for?
- Define what’s working and not working, and take action steps to change the ‘not working’ part.
Remember, people may not remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel. It’s a lot easier to figure out how to take care of the clients you have than to try to get new ones.
If you’re having trouble figuring out what action to take next to grow your business, email me at Cookie@CookieTuminello.com to see how we can work out a plan together.
© 2009 Success Source, LLC
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Cookie Tuminello, THE Team Builder of the South, has been empowering teams and igniting productivity since 1999. Learn more about how Cookie empowers CEO's, managers, business owners, and team members in her FREE Report "50 Ways To Go From Overwhelmed to Empowered" and receive weekly Success Tips at www.CookieTuminello.com.
