Contact Management for Catering

Everyone knows that staying in touch with your current customers and reaching out to new customers is important to help your business grow. The hard part is finding the time to do it. Using Constant Contact (or any email program that’s out there) can be an easy way for a new or small business to stay connected. And it’s easier than you might think.

The biggest hurdle often times is just getting started. Sometimes it’s best to schedule time – just an hour or so – and commit to creating an email list and writing a few short stories. It may be useful to think about people in your circle of friends or family who could help. Do you know someone good at data entry who could help import your contact list? Or, maybe you know someone who likes to write and can assist with creating stories?

Even if you don’t have anyone to help, most emailing programs are fairly user friendly and they make it easy to learn how to get started. Pick a template that compliments your business (colors, themes, number of stories), and just start plugging in what you want people to know about your business. Be sure to include links back to your website and ways to connect with you. More specifically, include a “call to action.” Ask them to come out and try a specific dish, or book now for great wedding specials. The best part is that when you send out your newsletter to customers, it’s easy for them to forward to friends and that leads to more referrals for you.

If you get stuck and don’t know what to include, check out your own in-box. What emails have you gotten recently that caught your attention? Reading what others are doing can spark an idea that can be related to your own business. Creating a data bank of ideas that you want to include is a great way to always have a list to refer to in case you get stuck. Start a folder within your email box to keep emails that you like, as reference.

Make 2012 the year that you reach out for more business. If you can carve out an hour or two each week to manage your list and write some short items, customers will stay connected and forward your emails, leading to more referrals. At Total Party Planner we want this to be the year you really prosper!

Ready to start? Use this link to sign up for a free 60 day trial of Constant Contact today.