Target the Right Audience

When using direct mail, your current customers are your best audience. But prospects who have an interest or a need for what you are selling, can afford to buy it and may be motivated to buy now are your next best audience. Without a great mailing list you've wasted some of your direct mail dollars. It's better to spend a little more on a great targeted mailing list than to waste printing and postage costs on a mediocre one.

You will need to test different lists to find your best response and the correct audience. You can spend a fortune on the greatest mailing piece but what good is it if it's not in front of the right potential buyers? Effective lists will save you money and also make you money. Never stop looking for and testing new mailing lists to promote your products and services.
More on direct mail in chapter 6 of my new book "90 Days to Success as a Small Business Owner"

Unusual June Holidays You Can Use

These are real holidays that you can use in your business for fun and profit.

1 National Trails day
4 Cheese Day
5 World Environment Day
7 Daniel Boone day
8 National Jelly Donut Day
12 Magic Day
13 National Juggling Day
14 Family History Day
15 Join Hands Day
15 Smile Power Day
18 International Picnic day
20 National Dick Tracy Day
21 Take Your Dog to Work Day
23 Let It Go Day
24 Log Cabin Day
27 National Orange Blossom Day
30 National Decendents Day

Questions About a New Product ???

When you have a new idea that has developed into a product or service that you think will change the world be prepared for some resistance in the marketplace at first. Ask these questions before you jump in with both feet.

.Is it an original idea?
.Is there a broad need for it?
.Will buyers understand it?
.Who will buy this product?
.Is the price affordable?
.Can you afford the marketing cost?
.What if demand gets big?
.How will you distribute it?
.Can you finance a large order?
.Will you offer a guarantee?
.Who will manufacture it?
.What are your profit goals?
.What if it doesn't sell?
.Can you get on QVC, HSN or Shark Tank?

When you know the answers to these questions you may be ready to patent & test your new product. Once you have made the commitment put 100% of your effort behind it. Good Luck !
More ideas on new products in my new book "90 Days to Success as a Small Business Owner" available everywhere.

Ask Your Customers

Retail store owners can get some valuable information from the actual people that they are trying to reach. Are customers happy with the layout of the store and can they find what they want easily? Do the promotions you run influence their purchase? What products would they like to see on sale or reduced? What additional products would they like to see you offer?

Are they satisfied with your store hours and checkout procedures? Do they think your sales and customer service personnel are knowledgeable and helpful? What other comments can they offer? Do they feel loyal to your business? Use any and all information you receive to improve your store and lock-in those regular customers.
More info on retail sales in my book "90 Days to Success as a Small Business Owner"

Do Trade Show Seminars

If you want recognition and attention drawn to your booth, be a speaker or have a roundtable discussion with you as the main figure. Most trade shows and conventions will have certain times set aside for educational seminars. Meet with show management well in advance to offer your speaking services in areas where you are an expert. Ask if there are any specific subjects that you know well and they want presented. You will want your subject matter to be of interest to as many people as possible so seats will be full.

If not done during exhibit times, have your staff fill some of the seats but give them up as others arrive. If you're doing a speech during trade show times ask the show management to list the time(s) in the brochure. You can also have a sign in your booth to help increase attendance. Once you've given a successful seminar you'll be noted as an expert in your industry. At the end of the seminar invite everyone to stop at your booth and ask any questions they may have about anything in your industry.
More on trade shows in my new book "90 Days to Success as a Small Business Owner"

Want to Write a Book ?

"Writing Your First Book" seminar is Sat June 18 at 9AM for 2 hours, cost is $25 (or I will come to your location). Find out how to write your book so you have a good chance to get a publisher and agent. The number of pages, words and how to create a catchy title. The next one will be in the Denver area on Sat August 20, 2011. Reserve a seat at 719-268-1322 or idealetter@aol.com

Are You Ready For Disasters ?

Most small business owners do not have contingency plans written down or even considered. But things always seem to happen when you don't expect them or are not prepared for them. But having a plan or procedure ready when the big problem happens is what will get you back on track quicker. Maybe it's time to consider what you would do if:

.Your business building burned down
.Sales suddenly dropped 50%
.A key employees left or died
.A main supplier closed down
.You got sick & could not work
.All your employees walked out
.A big competitor cut prices 50%
.Bank called your loan/credit line canceled
.All your computers crashed
.Another 911 occured
.You got windfall business
.A member of your family unexpectantly passed away
.A big customer filed bankruptcy
.Your main products became a safety risk

Be prepared before it happens and you will recover much faster. Share your plans with another person in case you can't get started right away
Many short articles in the monthly Idea-Letter (since 2002) free sample request at www.idealetter.com