One of the goals that many home – based professionals may have set for themselves for 2012 is to earn more income form their home – based business than they did in 2011. This is a perfectly reasonable goal, and a new year brings with it a fresh sense of energy and enthusiasm that has you ready to get out there and bring home the bacon. It is important to go into the New Year with the understanding that your plan for earning more money this year may get off to a slow start for at least one reason that is beyond your control. January is a very slow season for many businesses, especially those that involve selling a product.
With consumers feeling the squeeze of low bank balances and high credit card balances following the holiday shopping season, many people are swearing off shopping for a while. They may also avoid doing other things that involve spending money, like purchasing services. If your home – based business is slow this January, there are a few things that you can do. Some of these suggestions are designed to boost sales, while others are designed to help you get the most out of a time when you can work on your business more than usual because you do not have to spend as much time working at it.
If you do have a home – based business that involves selling things, do the best that you can to entice customers to make a purchase by putting things on clearance that you have had hanging around for a while. Make sure that the product descriptions emphasize the special, newly lowered prices and the fact that there are limited quantities of these items left. Also, why not set up your business’s Facebook page (if you have not already done so) and offer a special deal or coupon for anyone who “likes” your page. If you do email marketing, why not send out a special offer to the folks on your email list to thank them for their business this past holiday season.
No matter what type of business you are in, if you have some time on your hands there are many things that you can do with it to help build your business. It is a perfect time to read some books about business or take a class or two online or in person to learn new skills or keep your professional knowledge up to date. If you have been planning to upgrade any of your business equipment or your supplies are running low, check in stores or online to take advantage of closeouts and clearance sales on those items that you want to buy. Speaking of shopping, have you been wondering whether you are paying too much for things like your cell phone, internet, or other business services? Get some quotes from competing providers and find out whether it is time to make a switch.
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