In the competitive landscape of business, consistently performing essential tasks, or ‘business chores,’ can significantly elevate your standing. Many neglect these tasks, creating an opportunity for you to gain a considerable advantage. By committing to these chores, you immediately position yourself ahead of a large portion of your competitors.
What constitutes a ‘business chore’? These are recurring actions that, when integrated into your daily or weekly schedule, yield a sense of accomplishment and drive business growth. Here are a few key examples:
1. **Contact Management:** Transform those business cards from networking events and trade shows into valuable leads. Input them into your CRM system like Outlook, and categorize them meticulously (e.g., “Chamber of Commerce Event – July 2024”). Surprisingly, only a tiny fraction of attendees actively follow up after such events. This is your chance to shine.
2. **Strategic Email Follow-Up:** Craft personalized email templates for efficient outreach. Having 5+ different email drafts prepared for various scenarios enables you to quickly tailor messages for individual contacts. While email offers convenience, remember that deliverability can be challenging due to spam filters.
3. **Phone Call Scheduling:** Supplement your email outreach with a brief phone call. Aim to schedule a 15-20 minute conversation to explore potential collaborations. Avoid direct sales pitches in this initial call. Persistence is key, but avoid overwhelming prospects with repeated calls in a single day.
4. **Personalized Card Follow-Up:** Reinforce your connection with a tangible, handwritten card. The impact of a personalized, physical card is significant. Consider using services that streamline this process to maintain efficiency.
In summary, prioritize these four activities:
* Add new contacts to your CRM diligently.
* Send personalized follow-up emails promptly.
* Schedule brief introductory phone calls strategically.
* Send personalized cards for lasting impact.
By consistently incorporating these “chores” into your daily routine, you’ll cultivate stronger relationships and witness substantial growth in your business.