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Sometimes it is difficult to take a fresh look at the products or services you sell. We’re so used to seeing them the “usual” way that we do not take time or simply can’t step back and think about how we might repackage our expertise to increase sales.

Heck, look at what the yogurt industry did. The makers took containers of yogurt and repackaged them into self-serve tubes that kids (or adults) can just squeeze and eat. No spoon needed.

The New York Times does the same thing with its crossword puzzle. You can get it in the paper or subscribe separately to just the puzzle. You can find it in a book format. And now, you can subscribe to the Times’ premium puzzles online if you get bored with its free online puzzles.

When you think about it, eBay is just a big flea market, right? Online, eBay “rents” display space to sellers who display their wares, and buyers can come in and try to get a good deal by haggling, outbidding each other and searching for the undiscovered diamond in the rough.

Listen to how your customers talk about how they use your product or service. Do they share it with others in a different way? Do they want to reach you at a different time or in a different format than the one in which you are currently serving them? Do you get asked, “Hey, can I buy an XYZ version?” Don’t let these clues go unexplored.

If you have a popular product or service, especially if it’s mature in its market, why not see if a fresh perspective might generate some new sales? By “re-inventing” it, you’ll not only gain new customers, but you will reinforce the buying decision of your current customers as well.

Drew McLellan is Top Dog at McLellan Marketing Group and blogs at www.drewsmarketingminute.com. He can be reached at Drew@MclellanMarketing.com. © 2007 Drew McLellan