With 2010 less than two weeks away, many companies are shifting their focus to plans on how they can be bigger and better for the next year. This may involve the introduction of new ideas, new products, new services and most importantly, new brands. During all of the exciting planning sessions filled with innovative ideas that you have probably had in mind for awhile, don’t forget to inform your customers and target audience of your changes.Imagine getting ready to order your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant only to find that it is not there anymore. Or even worse, if you were to walk into your favorite store and everything has been rearranged. You would probably feel frustrated and a little out of the loop. Basically, people are not excited over changes unless they are informed about the change and how it benefits them. This idea certainly carries over into the business world. The reputation that your company has with the public should be one of the most treasured relationships of your business. Informing them of company changes is essential to your marketing strategy. If implemented correctly, your customers and target audience will feel that they are of great value to your company, which they should be.
If changes are ongoing, be sure to update them on progress through newsletters and blogs. If there is a major change, press releases are great ways to communicate the details and show how the changes will benefit customers just as much as they benefit the business. Often times, companies may choose to remove a product or service to make room for improvements. Make sure that that customers are aware of this removal while simultaneously informing them about how great the new products and services may benefit them.
Before you begin to inform customers about changes, make sure you have done some reflecting and solid assessing of the past year. Business strategist, Rick Meekins offers four great suggestions on how to approach the New Year:
- Start with thinking about what you are thankful for.
- Look at what you planned to accomplish last year versus what happened last year. This will help you to be able to make a good assessment.
- Use the results as a baseline to start planning. Spend the next month or so collecting and writing down thoughts and ideas for the next year such as; where you’d like to speak, who you'd like to meet, new services or partnerships, etc.
- Next, do a business assessment. This will include a SWOT analysis, a competitive analysis and a gap analysis. You need to know where your business sits and what changes or additions you must make.
Adhering to these suggestions will help you gain the confidence and motivation you need to discuss your new plans with business partners and customers alike. To read more on Rick Meekin’s New Year suggestions, be sure to visit his blog at:
http://www.aepiphanni.com/Stroke_of_Brilliance/Stroke_of_Brilliance_1109.aspx
So as you enter the New Year, be sure to spend the right amount of time on yourself, your business, and continue keep your customers informed. After all they are the ones that help to drive your business and your brand!
