Welcome to the February issue.

In this Issue

	Hello 2009
	Outward Bound
	Recession Proofing your Business

Newsletter by:

Hello 2009

Great to see the summer is sizzling away, and it's always good to have the old long weekend. So even if the economy is blue, so are the skies so its not all bad so far in 2009.

And as for the NZ Black Caps cricket results... Beating the Aussies in the 1st ODI.  Ah yes, that was a good feeling.  Need we say more.

Outward Bound

Planning the year ahead? Everyone knows someone who has attended Outward Bound. But have you thought of actually sending yourself or a staff member on a course? Would your business benefit from focused positive staff thinking outside the square?

There are many amazing courses at Outward Bound - where the philosophy is to attain growth through outdoor experiential education. There are funded positions availaible, and to the other end, it is also fantastic cause to support to enable others less fortunate to attend.  Sophie and I are both OB survivors (or should I say graduates) if you want any first hand info? Full details at www.outwardbound.co.nz

Recession Proofing your Business

As the times toughen, belts tighten. We understand that. So where to best focus your marketing dollar spend in these troubled times?

Retrenching Staff? If you are reducing your fulltime staff you may be losing valuable sales and marketing expertise. But don't risk the growth of your business because of belt tightening.We've said it before - one of the most important assets of any well run business is your existing client base.

Do your clients refer you to others? Have you thought of an incentive for them to do this?  Feedback and Follow up are great tools to enhance client relationships... as we said last time - customer service calls can uncover alot more than you anticpated...

Assuming your clients are full of resolution and re-energised after a summer break, the beginning of the year is the time when much planning takes place. So taking the time now to touch base with your clients is obviously a smart move.

Let us know if we can help you to make calls from your existing client base?

Best wishes for a great start to the year.  

Sophie, Susie and the team at 99.