Are you using these key tips to help grow your business?

It's
easy to get lost in the sea of information you come across when
searching for ways to try and grow your business. To help clear the way
and guide you to business success, I have compiled 12 key tips that will
surely help you grow and maintain a successful business.

1.Offer
great products and deliver on your promises. Stay away from "over
promising" just to get the sale. In most cases those who promise more
than what they can deliver fall short leaving yourself open to bad
feedback and no return customers.

2. When ever possible, use your
customers name, and make sure that it is spelled correctly. It's feels
less like a business call/email and more like being contacted by a
friend.

3. Train your customer service team well. There is
nothing worse than waiting on hold for 5 or 10 minutes to then have to
be transferred to two other people just to get the right help or answer.
Less time being shifted around makes everyone less cranky.

4. Is
your business, how can I put this, a hot mess? When a potential customer walks into your
place of business are they welcomed by an untidy environment that's just
begging for a cleaning service to come in? How your business looks says
a lot about how you treat customers and how you do business.

5.
Enforce a proper dress code for employees and make sure they adhere to
it.

6. Thank your employees for their hard work and reward their
achievements. When take care of your employees they will go the extra
mile for you, and your business.

7. Ask your customers for
referrals and reward them for it. It could be a certain percentage off
on their next purchase or a free gift. This will help gain new business
for you.

8. Great your customers with a smile, and when speaking
to them on the phone. It sounds silly, but you can tell when someone is
smiling over the phone. Be positive in your greeting and responses.

9.
Offer competitive prices and specials often. Play around with your
price points. You don't have to slash your profits in half, but changing
it a bit can make a huge difference. A $19.99 item sounds better than a
$20 item.

10. Set realistic goals, and for every one you reach.
Set the next goal just a little higher.

11. Watch your
competition. How are they succeeding? What are they doing that you're
not?

12. Ask your customers for help. Get their feedback about
your business and products. Ask why they choose you over someone else.
You may just learn some interesting things.

About:
Nic Soto, founder of Public Relations Depot, is an
innovative small business marketer using public relations and online seo
marketing to help her clients stand out from a sea of competition.
Learn more at http://www.prdepotchicago.com

Public Relations
Depot caters to new and small businesses who are seeking more budget
friendly alternatives to increasing their visibility, harnessing free
publicity and improving search engine rankings. Ask Nic how she can help you market
more effectively online.

Follow
Me: @MamaPR
My Company: Public Relations Depot