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This newsletter is sponsored by Trimland and Shutter Smart

The Dog Days of summer are here. Unfortunately, for some window treatments dealers that means business may be slow. How you use this time to your best advantage is a key to future success.

Thinking about adding new products to your mix? Working on those good old-fashioned promotional letters? Don’t be ashamed to be an avid self-promoter, customer relationships are more important now than ever before.

In this month’s newsletter, we present things you should be doing and thinking about now to ensure business picks up later.

Enhancing Your Product Mix to Increase Business and Profit
There are many reasons for a window coverings or home fashions retailer to add products to those he or she already offers, and the result may be a win-win strategy. Your customers and your business both benefit from an enhanced product mix in several ways. But as Karla Nielson reminds us, consider a little research and planning before jumping in.

Using Sales Letters to Prospect for New Business
Even in this day of e-mail and instant messaging, small businesses can achieve great success by using personalized letters as a selling tool. Their purpose, says Kay Pegram, is to motivate readers to take action, either now or in the future.

An Introduction to Shameless Self-Promotion
Debbie Allen, international speaker and author of “Confessions of Shameless Self Promoters,” encourages us to emulate the three ingredients that natural, ethical self-promoters use to achieve success.

“I would have described myself more like the Energizer Bunny,” she writes. “I just keep on marketing and marketing and doing whatever it takes to make it happen. I had never thought of this as shameful, unless it's shameful to believe in something so much that you want to tell everyone you meet. I call it good marketing!”

New Marketing in America
Customer relationship management is more important than ever, says Steven C. Bursten. The new essential: Stay in touch with customers you know. Give comfort and kindness. Be part of the new American spirit to give service to others.