stand out and succeed in uncertain times

Rick SpenceKawartha Family Business Group

April 27, 2009

Companies that make the most of their support systems; andCompanies that provide real value, from the customers’

point of view

Good Food. One aisle. No hassles.

By offering something different, by knowing your customers

best, and by being the first

to spot new opportunities

Redefine your product or service

by taking advantage of emerging technologies or new

customer needs

7 Tough-Times Tactics

Case study: Lakeport’s 24 for $24

How can you become more convenient, more helpful? How can you save people

money? How can technology

help them do more, faster?

Your customers are the foundation of your business and the source of your success.

7 Tough-Times Tactics

Retailer Andy Buyting: If it gets to me,

it’s free”

Employees now are willing to work harder,

change how they do things, and help the company succeed

7 Tough-Times Tactics

Barack Obama

Two ways to grow a business: Find more customers,

or sell more to the customers you already have.

7Tough-Times Tactics

Your customers are the foundation of your business and the source of your success.

7 Tough-Times Tactics

Many companies miss out on opportunities because they are

not good at describing what they do.

Closer to the customer

I do this (or these things) for

(this market) so they can do

this (define key benefit).

Closer to the customer

“Move in with them”through surveys, panels,

blogs, CRM, etc.

Closer to the customer

Source: Customer Advisory Boards, by Tony Carter

Every meeting in the company starts with a customer story

“Move in with them”through surveys, panels,

blogs, CRM, etc.

Closer to the customer

Cheap media space, websites, newsletters, SEO, blogs,

Twitter, etc.

Closer to the customer

Closer to the customer

The more seriously you take your board, the more benefit you're going to derive from

their expertise.

7 Tough-Times Tactics

• Schedule problem-solving retreats

• Create a Business Owner’s Plan

• Prepare a Succession Plan

7 Tough-Times Tactics

* Find ways to bring innovation to your products and services. * Be easier to do business with* Align your staff* Make more money from every sale. * Get closer to the customer* Acquire trusted advisors* Make the most of family relationships.

Yes We Can!

Rick Spencerick@rickspence.caVisit my blog at www.canentrepreneur.com