Okay, let's get real. All small businesses and anyone in retail sales hits a slump now and then. It feels like a brick wall that is unmovable. We try some of our best known tactics and still sales are slow. UGH! Unfortunately, the monthly obligations, like utilities still roll around. How can we stay motivated and not just give up?? Here are a few thoughts.* Take a look at your past sales. We have a couple online sales venues and can go back and see items we have sold over the past. Scrolling back through this reminds us we have sold some pretty awesome stuff. Recall the exhilaration and joy you felt when the sale was made. Maybe remember the effort you put into that sale and how it paid off.
* Look at some of your bookmarked competitors. See what is selling for them or if they are in a rather slow period also. Even chat with them if you have that kind of relationship. It can be encouraging for both parties.
* See if this period of time last year or years before was slow and when it picked up again. Start beefing up you inventory to prepare for the next wave of sales.
* Maybe just take a break during a slow time. A little breather from the routine pace. Spend some time with family or close friends. Then you will be ready when the sales pick up again. Sometimes when we are not pushing hard at work and allow our mind to rest a bit we get new motivation, insight or creative ideas.
* Consider adding some new lines of products. Take some time to do some research on what is selling well. I would suggest staying with items you enjoy or like. It is hard to market or get excited about something you really are not interested in.
* I like to take this time to really pray and ask God for his creativity in our business. After all HE makes things out of nothing and is the master creator. He says if we ask He will give us wisdom.
Diana
http://stores.ebay.com/eStuffMart
www.hoosierpickers.com
