50 Ways to Increase Business Now

By Casey Conrad

  1. Take someone to lunch.
  2. Listen to your presentation on tape.
  3. Have a friend or associate watch your presentation then critique it.
  4. Take a sales training course.
  5. Read a book on sales.
  6. Give your own sales training.
  7. Pass out 5 business cards every day.
  8. Join a referral network.
  9. Start a referral network.
  10. Call 10 old customers.
  11. Locate the best salesperson you know and watch their presentation.
  12. Ask five other salespeople to answer your most difficult objection.
  13. Make one extra appointment every week.
  14. Make one extra call every day.
  15. Read the newspaper for leads.
  16. Read a book or article on goal setting.
  17. Invest in a structured time management system.
  18. Develop a presentation book.
  19. Get referrals from current, satisfied customers.
  20. Start a support group with other like businesses and discuss how to build sales.
  21. Listen to sales tapes.
  22. Update you prospect files
  23. Increase product knowledge by subscribing to an educational industry magazine.
  24. Have a manager evaluate your appearance and wardrobe.
  25. Have a “Customer Appreciation” party.
  26. Interview an advertising agency.
  27. Interview a public relations firm.
  28. Develop a promotion with a worthwhile charity.
  29. Have a sale.
  30. Hire a graphic designer to update your company’s image.
  31. Send a newsletter to current customers, old customers and prospects.
  32. Advertise someplace you never have before.
  33. Send out a direct mail piece with a special offer.
  34. Send out a letter requesting referrals from current customers.
  35. Read old copies of trade magazines.
  36. Explore the use of a telemarketing firm to create leads.
  37. Send out thank you notes to prospects who don’t buy.
  38. Develop the best guarantee you can think of.
  39. Have an open house.
  40. Run a referral contest with your non-sales employees.
  41. Give a mini sales seminar to all non-sales employees.
  42. Create a “sales idea” committee that meets regularly.
  43. Research customer’s likes and dislikes through a formal survey.
  44. Offer a free trial period to try your product.
  45. Establish an ongoing relationship with your local media and regularly submit press releases.
  46. Participate in trade shows and local fairs.
  47. Run a promotion with a compatible business.
  48. Use premiums or advertising specialties to add extra value to sales.
  49. Write an article for your local newspaper.
  50. Offer free lectures/workshops to local business organizations.