10 Survival Tips From NEMOA

4. Why use social media? Lehman’s uses Facebook as a real-time, free focus group, Ervin said. “Whenever somebody posts, we can respond right away,” she noted. “We can get new product ideas and establish a dialogue with customers.”

5. Establish a continuity program. Duncraft offers one in which customers can dictate ship dates and quantities, and receive 10 percent discounts on any orders in the programs or other orders. “These have turned out to be our platinum buyers,” Dunn said.