After a faltering start to the month, sales and enquiries started to pick up as the month progressed. The weather was unpredictable which mirrored the political party conferences. Who made the best speech and was rightly critical of their opponents depended on your political persuasion.
Orders for pie tins, racks, plastic containers, ingredient containers and pallets. Customers included bakeries, meat processors and food manufacturers. There was the usual panic of ‘I need it next week'
Interesting networking at Chester where I listened to a 1 hour teach in about marketing in a recession and Aintree. The Aintree day had some interesting speakers. Unfortunately an exhibition was the on in the same room with dividers between them and the speakers which made life difficult for everyone. I have since joined CEPN and put a lot of effort into Linked In. If I am not connected to you, why not?
The are always low points in any sales period. Despite a high value quotation enquiry, little has resulted in orders. Only 1 customer has said no, and I can understand why. The payback period will not justify the outlay.
I have a new person helping me on the marketing front. She started in August with case studies and helping with testimonials. Jan has just rewritten my home page. Any comments would be welcome. That way I know the blog is read by someone.
October promises the start of a good run in towards the end of 2009. Enquiries are continuing to be generated by calling and web site. This after a week long break in Scotland for work and play.
MP's expenses are high on the political agenda and sending the paperwork to my accountant to pay the quarterly VAT is my priority. A new television? Probably not, just the usual stationery, diesel, parking etc.
I will be starting a new venture by 2010. Watch this space for more details.