Google Ads and Phone Numbers

In your Google Ad words account, edit your ads and have your bottom line be your phone number. I recently did and it made a huge difference. For example, "Experienced Dog Movers Expert Dog Relocation Services, Call now! 1-877-738-6683 www.PetRelocation.com". This is great because many times you save a click, since they will just call and you are getting them right when they want it, not after a few clicks and call backs from your office.

Kevin O’Brien, PetRelocation.com, Austin, TX

The Three Parts to Delivering Unpleasant News to Your Employees

In different economic times, we sometimes have to relay unpleasant news to our employees. When communicating a negative message, such as reductions in workforce or reduced compensation, it’s important to remember the three parts of such messaging:

Part one - "This is what we have done". Don’t let your employees agonize over an upcoming event. Take action first, and then tell them what you have done. Employees are more likely to continue working as before when they are presented with a fait accompli.

Part two - "This is why it will work". Your message must include assurances that the action taken was appropriate, adequate and aggressive. Employees want to know that you are on top of the situation and their jobs remain safe.

Part three - "This is what you have to do". If a situation warrants negative action, employees want to help. Finish the announcement with a call to action and a sense of urgency. Remind them that their efforts are the key to recovery in the future.

TAB Board 503, San Antonio, TX

Breaking the Glass Scenario

It’s difficult to plan for the future in these uncertain times. The way I’ve dealt with this is by creating a separate "break-the-glass" scenario of our strategic plan. This way, if things really tank, I’ve got a game plan of necessary actions to allow us to survive. No one wants to have to pull the fire alarm, but if there’s a need, it’s best to be prepared.

Mike Greene, Greene Moving and Storage, Manchester, CT

Looking Back From the Future

To get a perspective on your business or your life, pretend you are living 10 years in the future. Look back to today and ask yourself, "What would I say about how I’m doing in 2009, how I’m running my business, what I’m doing in life?" It’s a very grounding experience to evaluate yourself from that vantage point.

Steve Gilbertson, Electramatic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN

Are You Listening To Yourself?

Pay attention to the conversations you are having with your friends and confidants. What is the tone? Are you excited about your business or are you complaining about the economy, your employees, your customers or vendors? If your complaint is recurring, you may be procrastinating on some project or avoiding some action that would be beneficial to your company.

Jimmy Burds, Colographic, Denver, CO

ABOUT THE ALTERNATIVE BOARD®
The Alternative Board® is comprised of members who are business owners, CEOs or presidents who run businesses in non-competing fields. During a TAB Board meeting, you receive the benefit of the collective experience of the board members, who offer practical solutions to your problems-not theories.

You can learn more about TAB, which has been helping business owners succeed since 1990, by visiting TABAustin.com

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