Tips for Small Business in Tough Economic Times

(These tips are good in all economic conditions!)

Businesses must be able to respond quickly to meet the needs and demands of the ever-changing customer and economic climate.

The successful business will:

Target the market to provide improved and innovative services.

Sell a package or experience to enhance the unique product and services. The tourism industry packages; can your business adopt this model?

Train and then train again, the front-line staff to be personal and knowledgeable. Your front line must have good customer service skill sets.

Constantly communicate and learn from customers and staff.

Get out of the office/shop and see what the competition and other businesses are doing.

Remain flexible and respond quickly to the changing customer and economy.

Concentrate on keeping all your existing customers and focus on one new customer at a time. New customers mean new revenues.

Keep a positive outlook. That attitude will radiate through your entire staff. Although the economy is tough now, it will improve. Those who work hardest now will make it through the tough times and likely be better off than when this economic situation began.

Give thought to where the next customer may be? In the city or area you live in, elsewhere in the state, or somewhere else in the world!

The Alliance serves as the economic and business development, community development as well as the largest regional Chamber of Commerce in West Virginia. Are you or someone you know seeking export/import assistance, office space with which to take an at-home business to the next level with incubator office space, assistance in finding quality employees, training opportunities for your employees, assistance in contracting with state and federal government, or even social events to network with new potential customers?

Recent research indicates that being an active member in your local economic and business development and chamber of commerce can in itself improve your business.

Consider these facts and call us today to get involved.

If a business is involved in its local chamber or economic development organization, 12% of consumers believe the products or services of that business stack up better than the non-member competition.

When a consumer knows a small business is a member of their local economic development organization or chamber, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of that business and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from that business.

Two great reasons to join and get involved in the Charleston Area Alliance.

Call us now if you have questions about membership or the economic development services we provide at (304) 340-4253.

The Charleston Area Alliance is your resource for business. If we don’t know the answer, we know who does.