<p>We are moving into the the peak days of the Summer.&nbsp; While there's lots of talk of 'green shoots' appearing on the economic horizon, as business people we know that often things slow down in the Summer heat.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <p>So what better time to focus in on some tips and tricks to keep your business growing even during the lazy days of Summer.&nbsp; <p><a href="http://www.clker.com/clipart-25743.html"><img title="Grass Clip Art" height="83" alt="Grass Clipart" src="http://www.clker.com/cliparts/9/d/c/a/1234405664842624179rg1024_grass.svg.med.png" width="634"></a>  <p><b>Growth Strategy #1 - Call a customer today</b>  <p>Call a customer you have not talked to for a while and ask how things are going.&nbsp; Find out what can you and your company do to support them in achieving their goals. It is a great way to get MORE business. </p> <p>They already know you and trust you. Having done business with you before, they may need what you have again.&nbsp; Even if they don’t have a requirement today, they’ll remember that you checked in and offered to help them. </p> <p><b>Growth Strategy #2 - Look at your Company from Your Customer's Perspective.</b></p> <p>So often we talk about all the great things our company can do rather that focus on what our customer wants or needs. Empathy is a great tool for building business. </p> <p>Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. What are your challenges?&nbsp; What would help you achieve your goals? What do you need? Then - put your marketing hat on and communicate with current and potential customers. Demonstrate that you understand what THEY need and show them how your products and services can help THEM satisfy their needs and meet their goals. </p> <p><b>Growth Strategy #3 - Share information or opportunity</b></p> <p>A great way to exceed your goals is to do something to help your customer exceed theirs.&nbsp; Send them a great article you have read. Nominate them for an award.&nbsp; Share a business tip that has worked for you.&nbsp; Refer a customer to them.&nbsp; When you do, they just might return the favor and you both win! </p> <p><b>Growth Strategy #4 - Get up from your desk. Get out of your office!</b><b></b> </p> <p>To stimulate your business, make time to get up, get out, and move around.&nbsp; If you are managing a team - go over to where they are working. Join in conversations - ask for their ideas. They are closest to the work and the customers and have information you need.&nbsp; If you are the person responsible for creating sales - go out to one of the many networking opportunities that abound in your community. Talk to others - ask them what they are doing to stimulate their business - share good ideas that are working for you. </p> <p>Yes, I know - gas is expensive and time is money - but choosing to stay back closed in at the office can be the decision that makes you miss out on great opportunities.<br>So get up from your desk - get out of the office - and go find one. </p> <p><b>Growth Strategy #5 - Work Smarter</b><b></b>  <p>We’ve all heard the saying "Work smarter not harder".&nbsp;&nbsp; In tough times as well as good ones, how you do things is as important as what you do.&nbsp; To give yourself and your company and extra advantage, ask yourself these questions:  <blockquote> <p>Am I making the most of the resources I have already invested in?  <p>Is there a different way to do what I am doing that is more efficient or could get better results?&nbsp;&nbsp; <p>Is Ease of Doing Business a mantra in my company.&nbsp; Do our processes make it easier for our customers to work with us and for our team to get the job done?</p></blockquote> <p>Being proactive and focusing on growth can keep your business from falling into the Summer slump.&nbsp; These are some of the things that I'm doing in our business.&nbsp; Try them.&nbsp; You can put these ideas to work in yours too.&nbsp; So come on, let's get growing.&nbsp; <p>Thanks for stopping by - Stay Tuned...  <blockquote> <p>- Joan Koerber-Walker&nbsp; </p></blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.clker.com/clipart-25743.html"><img title="Grass Clip Art" height="83" alt="Grass Clipart" src="http://www.clker.com/cliparts/9/d/c/a/1234405664842624179rg1024_grass.svg.med.png" width="634"></a> </p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:4d75eadf-e494-4afa-9d02-b99e117fb395" style="display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker" rel="tag">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/CorePupose" rel="tag">CorePupose</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Growth" rel="tag">Business Growth</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Summer%20Slowdown" rel="tag">Summer Slowdown</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips" rel="tag">Business Tips</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Strategy" rel="tag">Business Strategy</a></div> <p>&nbsp; <p><a href="http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip_image003.gif"></a></p>