Thalgo News issue 5 - spring 2011 - Leisure Opportunities

Spring is the perfect time to see
how the resolutions you made at the
beginning of 2011 are holding up...
You may have decided to implement a
new idea or pledged to do something
for your business – do you need to give
those resolutions a renewed focus
Here are some tips for putting a
spring back into your business. To
put any change into practice requires
determination, perseverance and
commitment to what you want to
achieve, so you will be needing the
increased energy and lease for life
that Spring brings!
Revisit your business plan; what needs
to change since you last looked at
it What were your achievements in
2010 Ask some tough questions and
be prepared to learn from things that
didn’t work as you had hoped. As your
business grows, you need to change and
grow along with it. Think about your USP
(Unique Selling Point) and don’t lose
sight of it; use this as a feature in all your
marketing and promotional activity.
A solid marketing plan ensures sales
and without sales you do not have
a business. Create a plan to include
monthly promotions, and deliver it to
your team so they are fully prepared.
This will help to keep things fresh and
make sure you always have something
happening. Having a plan will make the
whole process a lot easier, so I strongly
recommend it!
Learn Be mindful of your weaknesses
and work upon improving them. If
you can’t do it, find the right people
who can. Learn about new treatments,
products and trends. Research and
attend shows or seminars. Try out new
treatments yourself, conduct surveys
and ask friends for their opinions.
Develop a passion for learning - one
common denominator can be found in
all successful business owners and that
is a passion for learning.
... you will be needing
the increased energy
and lease for life that
Spring brings!
Give your team a boost A business
is nothing without its people, so give
them a lift with a team-building activity.
Make sure they are well rewarded and
incentivised, and make sure they have
opportunities for development and
learning, which is key to motivation.
Reconnect with your customers by
carrying out a survey, holding a customer
event or renewing communication with
a newsletter. Spend time with them, find
out what they want, what they need and
work on your business to provide this;
it will help you to make good business
decisions. Your customers are looking
for solutions to their problems. Although
you are selling services and products,
solutions are the key to happy customers
who will return.
Reassess your financials It’s important
to understand your financials – cash flow
and profitability must come first so set
aside some time every week to keep
tabs on where the business is sitting.
Make a forecast of where you want to
be, track your actual turnover and make
any necessary adjustments.
Refresh your knowledge of regulatory
issues It’s a good idea to make sure
you are up-to-date on regulation - check
which licences, registrations and permits
you need, and consider subscribing to an
employment law advice line.
Network There is no need to be
alone - take advice from a business
coach, join trade associations or groups
such as LinkedIn; utilise social media
and webinars. Link with other local
businesses where you can promote each
other. Attend trade shows, conferences
and local business networking groups.
Touch base with your suppliers
Do you know what’s new with the
brands you stock Have they sent you
information on what’s happening in
2011 Your suppliers can offer support
in many ways and will work with you to
understand your business and make the
most of your resources.
Ultimately, it’s about refreshing and
re-energising your business. It will be
infectious for your staff and will reap
rewards.
Here’s to a successful Spring 2011!
SPRING 2011 THALGO NEWS 17