Re:Solutions: 5 You Can Keep

Even if you’re well over making or keeping New Year’s resolutions, all of us want solutions that work for our business. This year focus on the “solutions” in resolutions and discover ways you can solve business problems, big or small. Here are 5 “re”solutions to get you figuring out how you can revitalize your business in 2014:

1. Review: Recognize areas that need improvement. Look at all aspects of your routines, including sales, marketing, accounting, customer service, communications, client services, product selection, purchasing, utilities, and even the use of office supplies and expense reports. Don’t fix what already works, but be objective and try new ways to decrease costs and spend wisely in order to increase profits. Ask employees in every department to add their two cents’ worth that can turn pennies saved into dollars earned. Review every quarter, not just annually.

2. Remember: Whether you’re a retailer, vendor, or sales rep, service must continue after the sale. Don’t ignore customers. More new business can come from your current customers than even new accounts. Keep your relationships strong and reward loyalty. Personalize communications whenever possible and develop mutually beneficial partnerships. Make the effort to return phone calls and reply to customers’ emails daily. Make it a habit to call a few customers every day just to touch base.

   Check your voice mail system. Often the message states, “Your call is important to us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.” If it says it, mean it. And if you are a bit late in a reply, never say how busy you have been. That’s an excuse that diminishes the importance of your customer or business associate. Remember what happens when “you keep doing business the way you’ve always done…”

   Brixy, the independent retailers association, is working to implement a variety of services to help manufacturers and retailers increase benefits from business relationships. Find out how to get involved at www.brixy.com.

3. Research: Read more. Learn from others. Browse the business section of the bookstore or library for solutions you could apply to your business. Attend a seminar, take a class, or simply click through the Internet to see what’s new that you can adapt. Knowledge also keeps you interested and enthusiastic about what you do. It’s exciting to put ideas into practice!

   Know your competition. Brands are more important than ever in the children’s business. Pay attention to brands in your category. If you personally like a brand in your own life, think about why you are loyal to it.

   The ABC Spring Conference helps with these R’s. The event will be held on May 20-22, 2014 at Walt Disney World^® Resort in Florida. It is a great opportunity to put resolutions into practice while discovering business opportunities and getting to know your colleagues better. Attending will recharge your passion battery for business, while you enjoy fun and fellowship. Find out why you should go this year at www.allbabyandchildsec.com.

4. Refresh: Freshen up your promotions. Brand awareness starts with your own vision. What can you do to make your brand name better known? Make plans for each quarter. Retailers, ask your manufacturers if they can supply you with postcards, in-store posters, and merchandise as rewards for in-store promotions. Manufacturers, implement a plan to contact existing accounts to find out what support they may need from you to sell more of your product. Consider an incentive program for their retail staff and consumers. Retailers are now in the event planning business in order to generate customers to return to their stores. Let them know how you may help them drive traffic and sales. Discounts should never be the only value you offer your retailers or consumers.

5. Reduce: Since losing weight or quitting a bad habit is synonymous with resolutions, apply the tradition to your business. What can you do to reduce waste in time and resources? Don’t indulge in what doesn’t keep your business healthy. First, take a look at yourself. What’s your own bad business habit? How can you lose it? Enlist the help of your employees, sales reps and manufacturer partners. Something as simple as a suggestion box can stimulate better business.

   If you’re a retailer, ask your vendors what can be done to save in product, shipping or promotions. Ask if they offer an incentive program or value-added services. Brands, review your manufacturing practices and procedures. Ask third-party services if they can offer ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality or fair practices. Recognize and appreciate teamwork, loyalty and good ideas. Reward those that contribute to success. Never underestimate the value of a pat on the back.

In 2014, figure out and implement solutions that will make your prosperous New Year happen.
 

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About David Gaunt

David Gaunt is the Editorial Director of The Giggle Guide^® and a key accounts manger for advertisers. He has provided services to the juvenile products and children’s fashion industry for over 35 years as a journalist, public relations and publicity manager, marketing and creative director. He currently specializes in the children’s business as a business consultant, writer and reporter. As a founding partner of Gaunt/Dore/Sndyer, an advertising/marketing agency, his experience includes account management, graphic design supervision, media campaign director, budget planning, advertising, publicity and business consultation. He also served many years as a regional advertising and marketing director for Earnshaw’s. He is available to provide a variety of client services.

/ / Phone: 661-251-2448