Quote:
Originally Posted by pdstein
I would start by suggesting you check the spelling, punctuation, and grammar of the messages you send your customers. 
But beyond that, I think it's important not to cut back on marketing, but to be more creative and innovative. We may be in a recession, but GDP is only down by a few percent at most which means people and businesses are buying almost as much as they were last year (depending on your industry).
- Paul |
I agree my spelling is english is absolutely terrible!
I was a math Geek who could type to fast for his own good. Add to it a mother who taught languages and I never wanted to ever fix my punctuation....
That having been said... Gross Domestic Product is a terrible indicator of the health of an economy to the common man.. But I am not here to discuss the positive or negatives of supply side economics...
Anyone who has been in the furniture and gift industry over the last few years has witnessed this devastation to the economy even worse. That is a reality.
And spending more on Marketing doesn't solve the problem. Especially when ROI is lower because of the skidishness and resultant frugalty of customers because of the grim outlook....
Just a little insight....
For instance I have 5 very good customers who have lapsed in their payments way over Net 60 when they are not even on Net 30 terms, for significant money. Plus I have actually had long standing clients put in orders for custom work, when the product ws ready they did not show up for pick up and are unreachable, owing significant cash.
When I have gotten some of them they have apologized and promised partial payments which never arrive.
This is was not a common occurance, and now seems to have become an epidemic...
It is obvious that these businesses are now flying by the seat of thier pants, just to stay afloat.
The worst part is if they go under (which some will) they seriously affect my business......
I of course have been working on other clientele and marketing, but if we can prevent those businesses from going out then there is a triple bonus,
1) we get paid!
2) we get future business
3) Our businesses are not put in jeopardy!
I'm an agnostic but I Simply believe the parable.... "Help thy neighbor to help thy self"