Melinda, a designer friend of mine, has worked with the same clients for over ten years. Every time she finishes a project with one client, another client calls her to transform a different room.
I’ll take clients like that anytime.
She knows that at some point a few of her clients won’t need her services, so now she offers a service called “Design Plan.” It’s for the do-it-yourself client who wants design help, but isn’t willing to pay for an interior designer. This new service is keeping her busy.
Are there any services or products you can add to your business?
- If you’re an attorney, you could offer a package deal for small business owners who want to incorporate. If you’re a Web designer, why not offer a down-and-dirty site adjustment that simply fine-tunes someone’s site? A realtor could offer complete home sale services from organizing to staging to moving out.
- Use the Internet to expand your business. A few months ago I added video home office consulting to my list of services. For years I’ve worked with clients in person but I can’t be everywhere and not all clients can afford my services. At first I didn’t think the idea would work, but after working with clients all over the country, I can’t believe I didn’t do virtual consulting years ago.
- Survey your clients to find out what they want. Your clients and others who may be considering using your product or service can give you valuable insight. SurveyMonkey offers an inexpensive way to collect the information you need. Polldaddy is another good service.
Think outside the home-based business box and figure out a different way to package your services or expand your product line. Your next big product or over-the-top service idea could get you out of a rut faster than you think.
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