Aspen Leaf Professional Services

Her frustration melted when I gave her these 3 simple keys.

As we sat in her office, it was clear that Amy was at the end of her rope. In a tone that was more resignation than anger she said, “My customers just don’t understand how hard I work. I’m here before 7:00 each day and struggle to leave in time to get home for dinner. Then, if our home computers are working, I put in another 2 or 3 hours trying to catch up on all the administrative details I couldn’t get to during the day.

Our work computers are constantly going down, and as the owner I’m the one everyone comes to for help. With all the interruptions, I just can’t seem to ever complete a task in the time I’ve scheduled and I just get further and further behind.

Now today, our best customer informed me that they were moving their account to another provider. When I asked why, they told me that the new provider offered everything we do and more. I pressed her for specifics and discovered that all the ‘extras’ were services we offer too!

You know, it’s really ironic because one of those things on my list is to update our marketing materials. I have this great idea on how to tell people not only everything we offer, but why we’re better than the competition. And if people just knew how hard I work, I know they’d understand that I’m doing all I can.”

As I sat there and listened, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was too late or if using my 3 simple keys could rescue Amy. So, when she finished I paused for a moment and then said quietly, “Amy, would you consider applying 3 simple keys to your business to put your life back into balance?” She thought for a minute and then said, “Well, I don’t know but I know I can’t keep going like this. What are they?”

Key 1: Invest in your information and technology appropriately.

You don’t need every new gadget that hits the market, but you also don’t need to struggle with computers and software that are past their prime. There is a balance that will provide you with a stable, reliable system and keep your employees as productive as they can be. Whether you spend extravagantly or cut corners at every chance, you’ll increase your expense and the volatility of your system.

And, as we become ever more connected, don’t overlook the value of your home computer system. Having the ability to quickly connect to your work system can often minimize the work you must do from home. Not to mention the enjoyment and convenience of personal research and social websites that educate us and keep us in touch with friends and family.

Key 2: Communicate with your customers and prospects

Your existing customers are the best and easiest sale you’ll ever make. They already trust you enough to buy your products and services. But they’ll fall susceptible to flashy advertising if they don’t know everything you offer and why you’re better. Prospects may  never find you if you don’t discover where and how they’re getting their information. Limiting those two sales channels is a sure path to diminishing sales and revenue.

Key 3: Learn when to delegate

Did you really start your business to be a computer or marketing expert? Amy sure didn’t. Those responsibilities just naturally fell to her as the business owner. Prioritize your work and hire the experts to take care of the rest. Your job is to find and partner with the best in their fields; experts without an agenda, who will listen to you, advise you honestly, and work with you to provide just what you need.

Yes, you might pay more than what you think it’s costing you now. But, have you put a value on unrealized sales and lost productivity? Do you know how much it costs you in employee expense when your computer system is down for an hour?

Do any of these apply to you? Maybe you’re not trying to provide your own computer support, but you’re constantly waiting for your support vendor to show up or do what they’ve promised they’ll do. Maybe they’re great people but never seem to get something fixed the first time.

Or, maybe you have some great ideas on how to get your message to your customers and prospects, but just never seem to have the time to get it done. You want your website to be a dynamic source of information about your company. Your customers want to hear what’s new with your company and how you can help them. Having printed marketing materials on hand would give you a quick way to tell prospects exactly what you offer and present a very professional image of your business.

If you like what you see here and think that we might be a good fit for your business, we’d love to talk to you. You’ll discover what others have – that we’re dedicated to honest, responsive, high-value support and marketing services. Contact us today at Sales@AspenLeafPro.com or at 970.315.ALPS (315.2577).