With the financial crisis upon us, we could all use a few tips to help ensure the longevity of our business. Here are the top three that I found after scouring the internet.

Strategy #1 - Diversify Your Product Line

• Consider adding complimentary products. If you're a web designer, consider offering website hosting or printing services.
• Repackage products to a different target market. If you are a fitness instructor, consider offering a seniors or baby-boomers only class.
• Consider joining a network marketing company that offers a product which compliments your primary one. If you are a restaurant owner or chef, consider using herb mixes in some of your recipes and offer them for sale at the counter. 

Strategy #2 - Boost Customer Service

• Survey your customers to see if their needs are being met. Boost those areas that may be weak.
• Consider offering things like faster delivery times, flexible payment plans or a la carte product lineups.
• Reconnect with previous clients. Make followup calls on past sales or projects to ensure customers were happy with their purchase. This can lead to discussing future work.

Strategy #3 - Intensify Marketing Plan

• Give your customers and prospects reasons to buy from you. Sell the benefit not the feature. Focus more on the life necessity type of products as opposed to the luxury products.
• Offer freebies, discounts or other incentives to your current client base. Buy one, get one free is great for lower priced items. 
• Become remarkable. Determine what your unique selling proposition is and enhance that in your marketing message.

Remember to stay focused and keep long term goals in mind. The crisis will pass.