Home Business Optimized

A Home Business Article Contributed by Barbara Gibson

Home Business Optimized

Making the most of your home business will require that you make the most of every resource available to you. This includes journals, other home business owners, financial advisors, seminars, the Internet, your employees, if you have any, and of course, your consumers. It is important to find out who your customers are and what they respond to. You can use their purchasing and traffic patterns, comments, and responses to particular initiatives to keep up with, or anticipate trends.

Home business owners do not have a lot of money to expand or offer new services on a whim. Yes, your name is on the license but, ultimately, customers are the boss.

Home Business Customers

Obviously, it will be important, as a home business owner, to determine customer needs and the best way to fill them. Find your niche, and do your best work. A home business is no place for shortcuts. Customers appreciate value, reliability and service. For example, think how you feel when the clerk remembers your name or how you like your coffee. Look for ways to incorporate this same level of personalization in your home business. All other things being equal, it could be what sets you apart from your competition.

Home Business Customer Contacts

There are many effective ways to stay in touch with your client base. It is important to cultivate customers on an ongoing basis. Unfortunately, you cannot launch big campaign and consider your work done. Again,the process is ongoing. When your customers or potential customers need the service or product that you provide you want to be the only source that comes to mind.

Following are a few of examples of how a home business owner might inexpensively keep customers connected and build loyalty in the process.

1. Keep a mailing list.

When customers visit, or come in contact with you in other ways ask, them to sign your mailing list. You can use the list to distribute newsletters periodically. Newsletter content might include:

Information about new services or products

Upcoming conferences or training opportunities related to your product or service.

Class schedules for new scrapbooking techniques or woodworking.

Tip of the month.

Reading Lists.

Sales, coupons, or other special home business events.

A newsletter can be effective by email or stamped mail. One benefit of more traditional mail is your ability, as a home business owner, to personalize mail for your more regular or higher end customers. Personalizing mail can really get a customers attention. Consider hand addressing the envelope, using a live stamp (rather than meter stamp), and including a personal note. If you remember the last product or service purchased by this customer, you might mention it in your note. If this is a customer you haven't seen in some time, your note could encourage them to call or stop by.

2. Workshops

If your home business features scrapbook supplies, why not hold free monthly workshops. Customers can socialize, learn new skills and purchase the latest equipment, which you will have on hand.

3. Demonstrations

If your home business concerns food, consider have clients over for a demonstration event. This would be a great opportunity to showcase your culinary and presentation skills.

4. Sponsor a local team or event

Most communities have a little league. Get in the game, and stay on the minds of your customers.

A final word on building relationships with your customers; when they know what to expect from you, and have come to rely on your service, they are more likely to let you know when there is a problem. This is always preferable to the alternative, which is complaining to others and never coming back. In that case, you've lost a customer and you don't know why, nor have you been given the opportunity to rectify the situation. Customers are an investment. Treat them well for a great return.