Turn Your Downtime Into Uptime.

Most company’s experience periods of increased workflow that is usually followed by downtime. If your company experiences these periods, you will notice that they usually go in cycles around the same months every year. However these vary for every company. If you can pinpoint when this cycle of downtime is going to occur you can prepare yourself early and possibly turn that downtime around before you really get to the heart of it. If they come and go unexpectedly you can use this time wisely by rekindling old business relationships, analyzing your goals and assessing your web site. Here are a few ways you can make the best out of your downtime.

Rekindle Business relationships
Have you been out of touch lately? Downtime is a great time to send out a few catch up emails, meet up for coffee and rekindle some old business relationships. They could be starting out on a new business venture or could use your company’s assistance or services. It is important to keep close ties with people in your network.

Analyze your goals
We are all guilty of being overly optimistic in January when New Year resolutions seem all too easy to make and in your mind accomplish. However, come June, we forget about the beginning of the year goals we set for ourselves. Use your downtime to analyze your goals, look at the progress you’ve made in the past few months and figure out what you need to stay on course or get back on.

Assess your website
When you are swamped with work, it is easy to neglect your web site. This is a great time to freshen up your content, images, portfolio and concentrate on SEO. You should also check all web forms to make sure they are all working properly and directed to the right place and check that your contact info is still correct.

Client Feedback
Send client surveys and get their feedback on your service, what you can do to improve, what your strengths are as a company and if they can provide you with a testimonial that you can then post on your web site. It is always good to have updated testimonials with dates on your web site to show that you have recent clients that are pleased with your work.

Follow–up
Are there a few proposals floating around that you never heard back from? Now is a great time to send follow ups to see if they are still interested and let them know you are still there so they don’t forget about you. This could generate new work or could help you cross off pending clients from your list.

6 Tips to Network more Effectively for your Business

Networking and marketing go hand in hand. If you network correctly, you can save a ton of money on marketing while making great contacts that can aid in your future investments. Below are some tips to help aid you in your networking goals.

1. Never try to sell your product or service while you are networking. Remember that the reason for your networking is to establish potential business relationships that will benefit both parties. And to maintain these relationships so that you can carry out these benefits that can possibly aid you in acquiring new clients.

2. Stick around after the event. You will be putting yourself at a disadvantage if you are the first one out the door after a networking event. Once the event is over, more people are willing to discuss what was learned during the event and how it applies to their business or how you can both benefit from what each other has learned. If you leave too quickly you will miss out on a ton of networking possibilities.

3. Always look presentable. There is nothing worse than promoting your company wearing an old pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. Your image reflects your business and you should always look your best when presenting yourself. First business impressions are crucial. Your business cards will only get you so far.

4. Never sit back and wait for networks to come to you. If you expect to make contacts you need to be proactive. Sitting back and waiting for people to come to you will not gain you any success. If you are shy or uneasy about the idea, remind yourself that everyone there is trying to gain the same relationships and are there for the same reasons.

5. Don’t let yourself feel inferior. It is easy to get discouraged when you are surrounded by many people that may have a lot more networking experience than you. Learn from their experience. Focus on how they introduce themselves, and talk about their business. This will help you in your own efforts and will allow you to build more confidence.

6. Always have enough Business Cards. There is nothing worse than being unprepared for an event. Make sure you come fully equipped with as many business cards as possible. It looks very bad for business if you run out of business cards and most people will not take you seriously. If you are uneasy about having enough, call up the event supervisor and see how many people are expected to show up. This will help you to be more prepared.