Making the Phone RIng

One of the most common questions and/or comments I get lately is. "Okay, so how do I get my phone to ring?" We all know that we are talking about getting business, making money etc. I'm feeling it here at The Training Source. People are not spending like they used to and any additional cash that may be sitting around is saved for fear that they may need it to pay bills, taxes, payroll, etc. I am very reluctant to spend anything on a new idea or anything unless it is absolutely necessary. So, I'm going to share some great ideas that I've heard from people I've met or from online groups like Service Roundtable, ACCA meetings and my own workshops.
1. Don't stop advertising, your competitors are cutting back on advertising, so you'll get the business that they will not.
2. Have people standing around? While they are out on service calls, let them go through the neighborhood that they are in and put up doorhangers advertising your current fall/winter tuneup special.
3. Seriously consider flat rate programs and service contracts and/or maintenance agreements. People spend a lot of money on maintenance agreements, you might as well be one of the companies offering them.
4. Now is the time to be focused on excellent customer service and creating great experiences. If you won't do anything special, believe me, there are plenty of your competitors waiting around willing and able to do something just a little bit better than you. I recently heard someone say on one of the motivational CD's I was listening to say "In order to stand out from your compatetion, you must be willing to do what no one else will do."
5. Send thank you cards and /or gifts to all of your customers. a great company who will do it for you is To Your Success (http://www.toyoursuccess.com/) They are great people to work with.
6. Tell every customer that you will give them a $50 dinner gift card for every referral that turns into a sale.
7. Measure everything and tell people how they are doing. People like to know how they perform, we measure everything in sports but almost nothing at work. What's up with that? Let people know how they are doing on a regular basis including how much it costs to keep the on the road every day. I have an easy to use free excel hourly rate calculator on my free tips and tools section on my website. Call me if you need help.
8. Keep a positive attitude! Man, I know that is been tough for me lately, I've gone from the best first half of a year ever to the worst second half of a year ever. Plus some medical problems have caused me a lot of grief. Say a few prayers every day. Yes God is listening, He's here to help. All you have to do is ask.
9. Have people standing around? Try spending some of the time training them and getting them up to speed on what's new. There are plenty of self study programs available on-line. I have a bunch at http://www.hvactraining.com/. Both self study for online training for NATE exam and homestudy material in CDROM, books and DVD at rasonable prices.
10. Have debt problems? As part of the stimulus plan the US government has authorized the small business administration to offer a 0% deferred payment loan that will give you up to $35,000 to help you pay off higher interest loans, credit cards and vendors. Go to http://www.sba.gov/ for additional information. There is a lot of paperwork, but it is worth it.
11. Keep your focus, don't freak out, it's only temporary, don't give up, ask for help. Look at all of the wonderful things you do have! Yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and no, it is not a train. Come to my workshop, I'll get you motivated.
Or call me and I'll talk to you over the phone.
God Bless You all!