How to set achievable goals for 2010!
Yes, it’s a relief that 2009 is over with and we hope we are off that wild ride for awhile. I don’t no about you but in my 25 years in the business I have never seen it like this ever. I had to pull all my bag a tricks out to make the phone ring last year.
But let’s stop dwelling on the past and let’s see how we can get 2010 off to a fantastic start. First let’s talk about setting some goals that we can meet.
I like to set short term goals for now because let’s face it we are not in normal times yet. So how about we look at weekly goals for this post and then later I will expand on the bigger picture.
If you were to print out all your expenses for the past 90 days and then break it into weekly numbers. This will give you some idea how much money you need to bring in to start off with. Yes, I know we are back to baby steps but sometimes this is what’s needed to understand how to move forward in this type of market.
For some of us in the small to medium size company’s this makes for a great exercise and a wake up call for some. Contractor’s at times lose control of the numbers and like me at times I like to make it someone Else’s task or problem.
I believe we call it out of site out of mind. But believe me it always comes back to haunt us sooner then later. So for 2010 let’s take charge of the numbers and tweak them to make your company run like a top this year.
See by breaking the numbers down by the week you are able to see how to make the cuts or changes you need to make to be profitable this year.
When you go line item by line item you can highlight the item that you think needs some changes. You can see how to lower cost and believe me you can lower some cost if need be. As painful as it may be at times but if you want to stay profitable and stay in the market and be competitive this is what you must do.
Look at how you could lower your cost by 5 or 10 %. I would shoot for the 10% number if not more if possible. Just looking at the cell bills or your insurance cost or even your office supplies can make a major difference. Remember all the little things can add up to big numbers.
Look at all your employees and make sure they are in profit centers of your company. Every person should be making you money or maybe it’s time to make some cuts. Understand how much each employee can cost you because this is one of your biggest expenses.
Now you have looked at the expense side of things now let’s see how you can get the sales to pay all those expenses. Many contractors are in a rut when it comes to marketing there companies. To help cut cost in your marketing budget you must be doing online marketing.
Marketing online is your cheapest way to obtain leads. First you get a better quality of lead and if they have contacted you they have already read everything about your company. This type of client is much easier to close and you can get more money for your product or services.
I would run small ads in the newspaper and keep them there all month long. This keeps your name out in front of everyone and make sure you have your online URL or send them to your site for a free coupon or a free article.
Learn and work your online marketing more for 2010 and you will see the difference not only in sales but your cost will be much lower. Also do not be afraid to make the changes needed to stay profitable this year.
Work the numbers and break them down so that you can easily understand them yourself and you no where you are at all times.
Happy Selling
Glen
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