Every year it seems we’re busy, busy, busy, and then wham! The end of the year is here! First, I’d like to congratulate you on the wins you made this year! As economists say, it’s the drive of small business owners that tends to revitalize a down economy. Secondly, I want to share two practical ideas to help you strengthen your business for 2009. Do not miss these opportunities to connect with your customers, strengthen your relationships, and ultimately help grow your business.

1. Send transactional emails. An email to confirm new order, provide expected delivery day/time, give order tracking information, confirm a donation, remind registrants of an event, give product updates, or to thank customers for their business is an easy way to provide value to your customers and continue the relationship. Recipients say transactional emails are the ones most worth reading. Additionally, these emails are an opportunity for you to gain more revenue by promoting related products, services or events. For example, if you are a retailer confirming an order for winter gloves, include a section in the email showing other popular products to keep warm. Or if you are a wellness center thanking a customer for using your nutritional services, recommend a boot camp class and give them a discount coupon. Just be sure to use the 85/15 rule here – don’t let promotions take up more than 15% of the email.
    
2. Provide a clear way for customers to give you feedback after interacting with your business. You’re on their mind. Customers may have a suggestion, a bright idea on additional products/services they would like to buy from you, or want to tell you how great their experience with you was. You can easily give them a simple way to tell you all of this on their own time, with no rush, and anonymously if they prefer. Include a URL or link on all customer communications - receipts, newsletters, order confirmations (and all of those transactional emails we talked about) that brings them to an online survey. Customer feedback can give you insight into what may be helping or hurting your business, and what you can do to grow stronger, faster. If you are new to surveys, you can try our online survey tool free for 60 days.

There are plenty more ideas of how to improve your business for 2009 in this Free Year in Review Webinar. If you have any questions on these recommendations or anything else about your business, I’m always happy to hear and advise where I can. Just click the comment link below. Until next time, happy growing and Happy Holidays!