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The jury is still out about our current economy.  Some say we will be experiencing a mild recession and others say we are on the brink of a depression.  It doesn’t matter where you fall in the debate, one thing is certain, business growth is not as easy as it once was.

If you have been reading the news headlines, many CEO’s are focused on cutting costs and laying off employees.  This does help short term profitability, however these actions are precisely the wrong strategy to take if you want to grow your company in a bad economy.

CEO’s who want to increase sales, profit margins and drive new business growth in 2009 should consider the following top 5 business growth success secrets.

1. Focus Marketing Dollars on Value Not Brand

Focusing your time and money on “Brand” marketing may increase name recognition however it doesn’t generate revenue. Showing customers what value your product or service provides will generate top line sales revenue.  Spend more on marketing campaigns where the customer can experience your products value.

2. Stop Scaring Your New Prospects Away

Most corporate marketing campaigns, websites, sales collateral and sales processes scare customers away.  From a customer’s point of view, your company looks and sounds just like your competitors.  To be perceived differently and attract new customers you must stop focusing on your product features, functions, quality, customer service and company awards.  You should focus more on how you solve your customers business problems.

3. Catch Amnesia

Forget how great you and your business performed last year. The past is the past. This year it’s a new game. The rules have changed and the players are different. What worked last year, will not return the same results.  Re-evaluate your industry, competition, marketing strategy, sales strategy and financial management.  Implement proven best practice business growth strategies.

4. Keep Score

Measure and monitor your key business growth indicators weekly. How do you know where to improve if you don’t know how you’re performing.  For example, what is your customer conversion ratio, tradeshow ROI, closing ratio, marketing ROI, advertising ROI, sales cycle times, new prospect calls per week, deal size by industry, profit by product line, etc.

5. Work On Your Business, Not In It

CEO’s need to pull themselves out of the day to day issues. When times get tough, CEO’s spend more time in the details of the business. By doing this, CEO’s lose sight of what is most important, focusing on how to improve business performance in a changing competitive environment.  Delegate or hire outside expertise to handle the day to day challenges.  Focus more on strategic priorities.