Lately, your favorite restaurants have been working hard at maintaining their business. Maintaining business is the new black after all. When most do go out to eat they are no longer order appetizers, wine or dessert. Eating out now means once a week or once a month with a coupon or taking advantage of early bird specials. When people go out they want value for their money and great service.

Whether you are a restaurant, retailer or online e-tailer these same tips apply to help you retain business:

1) Keep your business looking clean and attractive.

2)  Your customers should be king.

3)  Treat your employees like your customers. Make them part of the solution. Find ways to drum up business and reward them with incentives for their ideas and actions.

4)  Walk around and survey your customers. Listen to your employees and find your niche business. Should you add a new product or service?

5)  Is your business and online presence fresh?

6) Do what you say your are going to do and be sincere.

7) Reassess you online store. Check the keywords of your competitors to attract business. Ask others to provide you with critiques of your website. Is it easy to use? Does it make the visitor want to purchase?

Learn more about your younger customers in the 17 to 25 year old bracket and develop your future customer base. Often times, this age group has more of an expendable income because they have not started a family yet.

9) Keep an eye on the news and on trends acting quickly to adapt your business to cultural and economical changes.

10) Cross sell and each opportunity. If someone feels they are treated right and are getting value for their money they will often spend more.

11 Treat each customer as if they were your best customer. A first time or average customer could be a top buyer in the making.

12)  Pre-package or bundle discount services to make it easy for your customers that may be uncomfortable to ask for a discount.

13) Post signs with suggestions paring products or service together.

14) Use humor to sell and include extra incentives for each upsell.

15) Celebrate each positive comment or experience with a personal reward.

Every one’s business is affected by our economy. It would last forever, so don’t throw in the towel. Stay positive and endure!