Follow up: There is no silver bullet

Well, I've discussed many issues over the past year and it's fair to say that not one individual suggestion will necessarily change your world but a compilation of a few will make a significant improvement.

Someone once said, "A bad idea implemented well is much better than a good idea badly implemented." Too often people will try something and when they don't get the result they wanted, they say it was a bad idea. In reality it was most likely a good idea but the implementation came under the "fire and forget" category.

Rather than me coming up with some new "wiz-bang" ideas, I think its better that we revisit some past suggestions. You can read them all on our site: http://www.clearcomnetworks.com/Shopping/Hughs-Views

1. Yellow page advertising! Beware, the only thing consistent about yellow pages (Pay per click is not much better) is the monthly bill. You really are on your own when it comes to getting new clients and those new clients will (If you're doing a good job) come from your existing clients.
2. Should I be authorized! Getting authorized in this current climate is a smart move. As for all you unauthorized Nortel resellers, I think you are taking a huge risk hanging your hopes on Nortel Business Telecom division's survival. It's ok to continue to service those accounts but let's face it; it will be extremely difficult to be authorized, so why continue to build your business this way when it could suddenly end.
3. Customer Service Advantage! It's simple, "no or bad customer service" equals "no customers". The biggest mistake you can make is developing your own opinion of yourself. So get humble, reach deep and really ask yourself, "If I was dealing with me, what turns me off the most?"
4. E-mail & Website! This is 2009 folks! Need I say anymore?
5. Keep up or get out! This is not 1993 nor is it 2000, technology is moving fast. A lot of integrators resist change. Most just say they are too busy! Someone once said, "So you're too busy to change? Just wait awhile you'll have a lot of time on your hands."
6. Ever lost a deal? The biggest mistake everyone makes is they think they aren't in "sales". Everyone is in sales, whether you are a technician, a doctor or a plumber. Invest in some inexpensive sales training, it may be different but it will help. You may be the best technical guy on the planet but if you can't ask for the business, the other guy who knows nothing will eat your lunch right in front of you.
7. Cash Flow, Cash Flow, Cash Flow! Need I say any more, these are hard times so stay on top of it.

Good Luck!

Hugh Vujnovich
President
Clearcom Networks