How do you increase your sales--fast? Despite the looming recession, here are some strategies to help companies survive--and thrive.

1. Tie up with a major company. One wise move in order to leverage your success is to tie up with a brand name which possesses more reach and resources. Anyway, niche companies can also be useful to bigger brands as they provide attention to detail, not to mention they tend to innovate their products which some of the greater firms don't.

On the other hand, you have to obtain the proper pitch and be able to express that a deal will be for their best interests also. There has to be a clear intersection between their customers and yours. For example, if you're a premium luxury car manufacturer, then perhaps you may decide to tie-up with just as equally expensive brands such as Rolex watches. Or, if you own a business establishment which offers skincare cosmetics, then you must look into women's cosmetic products. It's essential to do your research and look for the right business partner, but never undervalue your firm as small companies usually have so many things to offer the big time companies.

2. Enhance the whole team. Almost all of us could recall that time when they experienced an unpleasant customer service which made them go to somewhere else. That's why you need those team members that are motivated and believe in what you do and this must be evident in the manner they conduct themselves every day. Your employees must treat your customers as if they're friends, and your company as if it's their own home.
In the end, it is not about the price, but it is about your employees taking the entire responsibility and making sure that customers have the good experience they deserve. This will convince them to refer you to their friends and become your free lead generation evangelists.

3. Give special offers. Despite the sale season being over, that's not a reason that you must stop giving your customers special offers they cannot resist from time to time. Everybody loves a "buy 1 take 1 deal". Who doesn't? This is the reason why special offers are very commonly used to entice sales leads and customers. But it's important that you completely understand what it is you want to improve on. Limited time offers are good ways to succeed in generating that urgent need for your buyers.
However, try not to do identical offers everywhere. Rather, you must customise your deal in accordance to the establishment or outlet that's being displayed in. For instance, if you want to do the "buy 1 take 1" special offer, then you can try the Asda (http://www.asda.com/) as its buyers are more into low prices.

4. Offer giveaways. You must look for an item which can be considered to be cheap to source out but still suits the lifestyle of your leads and customers you wish to attract. Just don't forget that you don't offer giveaways just to be nice to others, but you should be the one truly gaining out of the whole deal.