This is an article I wrote as a member of the Retail Merchants Association, which was published in  the association’s monthly newsletter.

Association members have access to a variety of products and services. These include floral and apparel products and payroll and marketing services to name a few. This article discusses the importance of using member services to help grow your business.

As a business advisor and lawyer, life coach and financial counselor I need the services of a variety of businesses to help my firm grow. While it may be counter intuitive this is particularly true during difficult times. Unless you’re planning on retiring or quitting, you should be planning for the 2009 holiday season as well as the first half of 2010. What are you going to do to maintain your market share? If you have a bigger vision you may be thinking about how to increase your market share.
I’m determined to increase market share. Consequently and despite the economy I am investing in more education, marketing and search engine optimization programs than ever before. Did I mention I’m doing that despite already being a lawyer, having a PhD and being a certified life coach? Why…..because everyday we’re becoming more of a knowledge based economy. And I simply don’t want to get left behind! In fact I’m determined to become a world class business consultant, life coach and financial counselor.
Consequently during the last month alone I’ve met with several RMA members to learn how they can help me grow my business. I’ve become a client of two members and in the future may hire another one that provides administrative services.
I titled this article fall planning. I did so because nothing gets done without having a plan and being intentional. I have to be intentional because being passive will result in a slow but certain death…..on second though it may not be a slow death.
What about my fellow RMA members? Do you think web sites, social networks and search engine optimizations services are expenses instead of investments? Or maybe you think they’re fads. You’d likely be wrong on both accounts. I would encourage every RMA member to contact at least three members to explore how they can help grow your business. If you want to learn more about what I’m doing call me. While I’m just getting started I’d be happy to share ideas.
JC’s value as a business professional is augmented by being a lawyer, life coach and by having a PhD in Organizational Leadership. You can reach him at 804 368 7397 or jc@jcvirginialawyer.com