Increasing sales in today’s economy has become more difficult than ever. Many business owners are unsure about what their future holds, demanding even more out of their staffs. Customers are in the same situation as business owners, they need to consider every purchase, use your relationship with your customers to your advantage.

One secret weapon you need to have at the ready is knowing what your competition has to offer. What are you competing with? Does your competition have a better product, better technology, better prices? Why would anyone purchase something offered by someone else? Once you know the answer to these questions you should then begin to focus your approach and increase sales.

Sales starts with relationships. It is much harder, more expensive, and consumes more time to gain a new customer versus keeping an old one. Time needs to be put into that relationship so it can grow, turning that into sure income each month. By growing that relationship you learn what your client needs, how often they need it, and perhaps it will give you the chance for easy “add on” sales in the future.  One way to build relationships is by never declining invitations for networking events.  Once you stop saying “No” to networking events and social gatherings, you will be able to meet new people and clients.

Another way to increase your sales is to give your client the inside scoop on future products you will be offering. Every business sets up future products months in advance. By telling your client this as soon as you know about it plants the seed in their head. When its time to roll out the product, that seed is ready to harvest.

Have you ever considered a customer rewards program? Reward your current customers for years of loyal service. Make this well worth their time and they may actually send you more business if you are treating them right.

If you find yourself as the head of a sales program perhaps the easiest way to increase the sales of your staff is to start an incentive program. By offering extra paid time off, vacations, TVs, or just a monetary prize, this can spark the competitive attitude in us all.

Most important, treat your current customers fair, value their business, and make sure they know how much you appreciate their continued business. Rather than worry about every nickle and dime, take the time to insure that your current customers will be customers for life. This may mean a few sacrifices on your end in the short term, to make a long term gain.