Imagine that your business is promoted not only by you and your sales team, but by thousands of people around the world. Can you imagine what that would do to your bottom line? With all due respect, can you get out of your own way for a minute and consider the possibilities?
As a business owner or executive, too often we focus on our local market. We focus on beating our local competition. We focus on following up on that local leader. We focus on trying to motivate our sales team. Don’t get me wrong here. Being focused is a great thing. However, let’s take advantage of that approach and exploit it globally.
You can say, that’s great, Chris, but what are you talking about? How do I take my local mom and pop business, or my local agency, or my local business of any kind, and expand it all over the world?
Relax. It is not so difficult. Just a few simple steps and we may be getting inquiries, orders and sales from sources we didn’t even think existed.
Step 1. Expand your thinking.
I know this might sound like another conference room idea, but let’s take a look at it anyway. You may be surprised. If your business is not restricted to your local area due to state or federal requirements, listen up. (If your business is restricted to your state or locality, consider what it takes to expand it.) With the power of the internet today and sophisticated technology including web conferencing, skype, facetime, gotomeeting, etc. the next best thing to being there physically is being there virtually. So consider the possibilities with the world wide web and how this can increase your company’s revenue.
Step 2. Renew your marketing plan.
Does your company have a marketing plan? Does your business have a way to attract new customers online? Does your business have an online marketing funnel? Do you know the cost of acquiring a new client?
For the most part, most small businesses lack the manpower or resources for an effective global marketing campaign. However, for the frugal or low-budget business, with a few simple marketing tools, you can increase your sales significantly.
Step 3. Improve your marketing tools.
These tools would include the following:
a lead magnet. this is simply a tempting free and irresistible offer in exchange for the email address of your potential customers. After all, the most valuable information online today is your email address. Once the prospect has opted in to your offer and provided their email address, they will have that email address forever. Typically, this lead magnet can be offered in the form of an e-book, discount coupon, etc. Just be sure to create some urgency in your offer by including a deadline.
a branded autoresponder. which provides pre-written messages to be delivered to the obtained opt-in email address. Your messages are delivered on any day and time you determine. These messages can be altered, modified and randomly changed. Just make sure your potential customer receives useful content or information that is beneficial to them (not spam)
Video email software. Video messages work very well. In today’s fast-paced world, the average person would rather watch a video than read an article. If you’ve made it this far, congratulations. You are not average.
Web conferencing software. Is your team spread over a wide geographical area? Conference calls are great, but video webinars are better.
Step 4. Create an affiliate program.
An affiliate program is nothing more than someone else selling your product and earning a commission. When you take your program global using the power of viral marketing, with a generous commission for your affiliates, your sales will multiply. Viral marketing is powerful.
Try using these simple tools to expand your local business globally. Your end result will thank you.