Be VISIBLE

If there is any advice to be given for 2009 it is to BE VISIBLE. It is so imperative in this uncertain economy to remain on the on the radar of your existing clients and potential clients. As people are taking a “trimming the fat” approach to business expenses and are being much more cautious about business investments, you want to make sure that you are not one of the casualties. How do you do that? Make sure that customer service is a major priority. Make sure that you are doing all that you can for your clients. Check in with them and see if there is any way that you can be of more help. In lieu of sending a “thanks for being a customer” note, demonstrate that through your actions.

If companies have put projects on hold, you want to keep the dialog going. Maintain your connection so that when they restart the project, they will choose you as the vendor. DO NOT DISSAPEAR.

We encourage you to be creative about how to stay on the radar. Send your clients articles that you believe are relevant and interesting to them. If you are a social networker, make sure to send updates about recent successes and current projects.

In addition, we cannot emphasize how important the "in-person" is, both for making new connections as well as strengthening existing ones. Nothing replaces the face-to-face meeting. While people have relied on online tools (social networks, email) to keep connected, we suggest that those techniques supplement in person connectivity.

Now is the time to go to conferences, events and strategic networking meetings.

Now stop reading this blog and go out an meet a client or colleague in person!

posted by Amy Abrams