5 Resolutions For a More Profitable 2008

Every January begins with an optimistic outlook on the New Year, complete with personal resolutions designed to turn us into healthy, thin, addiction-free, well-organized, family- and community-minded superstars.

According to the U.S. Government, the most popular personal New Year's resolution is losing weight, combined with getting more exercise and eating sensibly.

Other leading resolutions include spending more quality time with the family, quitting nasty habits (drinking, smoking, recreational drugs), managing finances (getting out of debt or building savings and retirement funds) and promising to be more charitable and do volunteer work.

So, as you look cheerfully toward New Year's Day, consider these professional New Year's resolutions. They may help your custom retail business flourish in 2008 and beyond.

RESOLUTION ONE: Network with those Serving Your Clients

According to ABI Research, the home automation business reached $14 billion during 2007.

ABI predicts that home automation will be an $85 billion dollar business in 2012. Clearly, integration is the future.

This first resolution pertains to your networking with the people that provide these services in your community. Once a week, pick up the phone and have lunch with a person of influence in these companies.

Don't mope around and complain about the housing slump and a slow down in prewires. Instead, make business happen by getting these service providers excited about your company's integration solutions.

RESOLUTION TWO: Leverage the Power of the Internet

Consumers now spend significant time both researching products and shopping for them via the Internet.

That said, Web surfers still encounter the "We're under construction, but come back soon" site far too often in this industry. It's 2008. If you don't have a Web site, get one. If you have one, but it's "under construction," finish the project.

If you have a Web site that is not much more than an electronic brochure, think about upgrading to a more interactive site. According to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), 75 percent of consumers have watched video online.

Let's face it, Web 2.0 is here and your clients expect you to represent leading-edge technology. Your Internet presence should accurately reflect your company's technical prowess. For ideas about enhancing your Web site, visit http://www.hdhomes.tv.

In addition to upgrading your Web site, collect e-mail addresses and use them to keep clients and networking partners (see the first resolution) informed about innovative products, services, industry information and home automation trends that can make their lives simpler.

RESOLUTION THREE: Focus on Selling to Women

Did you know it has been estimated that women control up to 80 percent of all household spending?

In fact, that percentage, on average, may be even higher for baby boomer women between the ages of 50 and 70 years old.

Indeed, women make 55 percent of all investment decisions, according to Marti Barletta's book, "Prime Time Women: How to Win the Hearts, Minds and Business of Boomer Big Spenders."