Open Your Mouth and Grow Your Business
The Art of Asking for What You Need
Entrepreneurs are a unique breed. We are brave, bold, and optimistic. We have to be in order to start a business from nothing and see it through both the good times and the bad. And while we may be in a recession, as small business owners, we are the most flexible businesses, the most mobile and rebound-able entities you can imagine. So much so that our ability to thrive through these difficult economic times may help the nation as a whole rebound more quickly.
However, in order to see your way through the recession you must be willing, more than before, to speak up and ask for what you need. Here are four simple things you can ask for:
A deal. Whether you’re looking for a computer, office furniture, a year’s worth of supplies or a new cell phone carrier, you must be willing to pursue the best deal, and often that requires that you ask for it. Don’t be afraid to admit that you’re a small business owner looking for a discount. In fact, these days more retailers expect some good old fashioned bartering anyway. Either way, you’ll never get what you don’t ask for.
A sale. Wouldn’t it be nice if all prospective clients asked to retain your services without the least provocation? You’ll be lucky if that happens a handful of times in your career. Typically you must explain the advantages of retaining your services to a prospective client. That conversation should never end without you asking for a sale. It can be as simple as, “Would you be interested in having me prepare your tax return this year?” The thought may not occur to them until you ask. And the worst thing they could say is “no.”
A favor. When you are involved in a professional community you will often extend and ask for favors from colleagues and other professionals. The favor could come in the form of referrals, business advice, a mentorship, or a networking opportunity. You shouldn’t feel self-conscious to ask for favors; the business community is all about exchanging them. You just need to be ready to give as willingly as you receive.
An audience. Much of your business will be the result of you talking about what you do. This can occur in the line at the grocery store, at a local convention, or at a tax seminar you organize. Regardless of the forum, you will be required to request an audience, either by interacting with confidence or formally inviting attendants. Regardless of the method, you must take initiative and speak up!
Those are just four ways you can enhance your business by determining what you need and asking for it. You’ll be amazed at what that one simple principle can do to improve your business.
Now It’s Our Turn
Your business becomes more appealing when you offer complementary services. More than 80% of small business use QuickBooks software to manage their books. Mastering QuickBooks will make you a QuickBooks authority, enabling you to offer QuickBooks seminars and attract more potential clients by demonstrating how they can use this product effectively. The Professional Bookkeeper’s Guide (PBG) to QuickBooks is designed to help you accomplish that. And we wouldn’t be a good example of smart business tactics if we didn’t ask you to enroll, for the good of your own business!
The Professional Bookkeeper’s Guide (PBG) to QuickBooks is a self-paced program that enables you to complete the parts that interest you and skip over the parts that don’t. Even if you have used the program for years, the PBG teaches you shortcuts and methods you may not have known. You will be impressed by the simple flow and completeness of the PBG; it will teach you how to do the basic transactions, reconcile accounts, as well as a basic understanding of fundamental accounting principles. Use this product to enhance your service offerings and your bottom line. Purchase the Professional Bookkeeper’s Guide to QuickBooks today!
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