Welcome to the August issue.

In this Issue

	Beating the Recession
	NZ Hoodie Day - August 12 2009
	What's in the Pipeline?

Newsletter by:

Beating the Recession

Greetings for August!   Sophie recently caught up with the PM, who was visiting Hawkes Bay on a flying Prime Ministerial visit. John Key was musing on some of the changes in his life since he's moved into the big job. Moving from the reactive role of Leader of the Opposition, he is required to be proactive as PM - and to have an opinion or view a huge variety of matters. A bit of a change indeed, but as we always say at 99 - its good to be proactive. 

NZ Hoodie Day - August 12 2009

You may notice an increase in people wearing hoodies on August 12. No, its not just a general decline in dress standards through out the country, its in fact NZ Hoodie Day - organised by youth organisation NZAAHD to celebrate the UN's International Youth Day, and raise the profile of youth issues across the country.

And even better 10% of any funds raised from the day will be shared with the youth organisation's partner Age Concern, so you can relax in your hoodie knowing you are helping young and old alike.

So go on, have a bit of fun in the office and be a "Goodie in a Hoodie". For more details go to http://www.nzaahd.org.nz/index.php/youth-development/hoodie-day

What's in the Pipeline?

Treasure the golden rule. Customers are king! 

Is your client base suffering from companies going under as the recession bites? Getting back to basics, we have a bit of good old fashioned advice - just look after your existing clients the very best that you can. Make sure that you stand out from the crowd - and your competitors. I distinctly remember my first boss telling me (his earnest graduate) when a particular client said jump, don't ask why - ask how high. Sage advice indeed.

So whilst it's smart to be focused on your existing clients needs, don't forget also to take a step back from that sale you've just made or the job that you're about to do...and keep your eye on the big picture. Thinking beyond, where will your sales be coming from in 2 or 3 months down the track? Just what are you doing to keep your sales funnel topped up with new opportunity?

This is a perfect time for 99 to help you with say a lead generation campaign to talk to new potential clients? Or are you may wish us to make some savvy customer service calls to identify the opportunities for new business from your existing clients? Your existing customers may be shrinking in number, but who's to say that they won't be coming back to you with more business.

We all know that we should be proactive. So seizing the moment, there's no time like the present. Talk to 99! We'll help you talk to new prospects for you, and keep that sales pipeline topped while you are looking after your existing customers.

Cheers from Susie and Sophie at 99.