20 ways to win more business in 2020

Did you start 2020 with towering goals and halcyon dreams of success?

Right about this time of year is when reality starts to sink in and those New Year’s resolutions fall the wayside. But don’t worry – you can still make 2020 your best business year ever. Here are 20 ways to win more business in 2020 – just take it one step at a time!

1. Go digital (but do it right) 

Globally companies are making the leap to digital transformation (and the benefits aren’t just saving on paper costs). While it’s SO worthwhile, there are some teething issues to watch out for – know how to overcome them for a seamless switch.

Read more: The what, why’s and how’s of digital transformation 

2. Get a makeover

No, not you (we’re sure you look great!). However, your client-facing communications should look their best if you want to entice and engage them to do business with you. If that sounds like a lot of work, Proply has six stunning templates ready for you to use.

Read: A sample Proply digital proposal

3. Map the customer journey 

This is the year to really get strategic. Design a clear customer journey that takes potential clients from first interaction to conversion. Your proposals can – and should – follow this formula.

Read more: Does your proposal follow the customer journey?

4. Don’t waste time 

Work smarter, not harder. With digital proposal software, you can shave hours off your workload creating proposals. Leaving you to do more things that matter, like building relationships and strategy.

Read more: 5 shortcuts to halve your time making proposals

5. Don’t waste money

Are you forking out for freelancers or specialists? While nothing can replace the expertise of a knowledgeable professional, digital tools can help shoulder a chunk of the workload.

Read more: 3 experts… or 1 smart proposal

6. Generate more leads

Easier said than done, you say! The old ways of lead generation (cold calls and junk mail) aren’t delivering like they used to, so it’s time to explore effective options like social media, targeting and brand identity.

Read more: 3 speedy ways to generate more leads

7. Know what makes your vendor tick 

Creating proposals isn’t the hard part (especially with apps dedicated to doing just that). It’s getting clients to accept. Luckily, we know from experience what makes people accept business proposals…

Read more: What makes clients accept business proposals? 

8. Be persuasive

What is sales if not very good persuasion? Rhetorical techniques have been used to advantage for more than 2,000 years – time to read up and start applying them to your business.

Read: 3 persuasive writing techniques to help you win proposals

9. Unlock the power of stats

Numbers talk. That’s why the Proply dashboard helps you keep track of trends and target leads with sophisticated data tracking. Make 2020 the year you wow yourself – and your clients – by refining your strategy with statistic-based research.

Read: How stats can help your proposals win big

10. Improve your writing skills

Anyone can write with the right techniques (and a little confidence!). Check out the guide below for seven writing tips that are straight from the copywriter’s mouth.

Read: 7 copywriting secrets to make your proposal shine

11. Introduce automation

Automation isn’t an industry buzzword. Introducing automation can really help you lighten your workload to focus on other important things that need a human touch (because the robots aren’t taking over just yet).

Read more: 5 ways to implement automation in your business

12. Delegate responsibilities

We’re all guilty of thinking, if you want it done right, do it yourself. But for a happy business that’s efficient, you shouldn’t be afraid to delegate. Many hands make light work!

Read more: Why delegation is good for business

13. Enhance emails

Did you know around 85% of marketing emails are left unread? Just a few strategies can help your emails stand out in an inbox.

Read more: How to craft emails your vendors will open and read 

14. Stick the first impression

It’s tough to bounce back from a bad first impression, so make sure you never make these common mistakes!

Read more: 5 first impressions that will make potential clients say “Bye!” 

15. Take advantage of integrations

Many apps are integrated with world-class software (for example, Proply is powered by Domain PriceFinder, Google and Facebook to name a few). Streamline your business and bring all the features you like to one place.

Read more: 1 proposal, 5 powerful integrations

16. Send a gentle reminder 

Hard sell marketing techniques are on the outs. But remarketing tools, which are far less obtrusive, can increase conversions by 70 per cent!

Read more: Why Facebook remarketing is an important tool for conversions

17. Learn from the experts

Read widely and take opinions from different sources. Not every piece of advice will be useful for your business goals, but you might just find some gems.

Read more: 5 cold calling techniques you can apply to your proposals 

18. Speed up acceptance

Nothing is worse than when a vendor is ready to accept… and then the conversion process is too slow or complicated. If you resolve to do anything this year, give your proposals an instant accept button!

Read more: 3 ways digital proposals make life easier

19. Master the art of the follow-up

Waiting for a client to get back to you is arduous. Make use of that time waiting on clients by looking at these methods to re-engage inactive customers – and factoring them into your plans.

Read: The art of the follow-up: how to re-engage existing clients 

20. Turn losses into wins

Let’s face it – some things won’t go our way in 2020. It’s also a great opportunity to step back, take stock and improve your strategy for the win.

Read more: The client said no… now what?