Any business that does not give customers VIP service will be out of
business before they realize it. One of my clients went to buy a new car
from a local dealer she knew personally through the business
community. She called ahead to explain what she wanted but, when she
got there he kept her waiting. He did not have the make she requested,
and suggested she check back with him tomorrow. She did, and did
again the following day, and the day after that. Three days later he told
her he could get the model she wanted in six weeks, but only if she
chose a different color. She contacted another dealership. Within an
hour, they had located the car she wanted in the color she wanted. They
even offered to pick it up for her and they offered her a better price, with
better financing, with a friendly customer service attitude and the
efficiency she was looking for.
The second car dealership got her business because it was responsive
to her needs, the staff treated her with respect, and made her priority
their priority. Customers today expect a quick response, personal
accommodation for their particular situation, and a little something extra
in appreciation for their business. In essence they want youto make
their life easier.
Are you doing that for your clients? Look at your business. Here are
some ideas to attract more business with less effort, by making things
easier for your clients and prospective clients.
Be Persistent
Surprising to many, most business people appreciate persistence. It
shows them that their potential business is important to you and gives
them the sense that you will respond quickly to their needs.
Do It For Them
Always ask your clients what you can do for them. Doing more than is
expected makes their life easier. Use the phone, the fax, and email as
often as possible. Go to their office to make appointments more
convenient for them. Offer to call and order lunch. If they tell you they
are swamped, have everything picked up and delivered. Make them, not
just their business, your priority.
Use Urgency to Your Advantage
When someone tells you they need something quickly, make them feel
good, don't make them feel guilty. Often, when people call with an
immediate need, they are made to feel that their request is an
inconvenience, that any help they might receive is a big favor and a
burden. The truth of today's marketplace is that everyone wants
everything yesterday. Keep and beat the time frames your clients
request to keep them coming back time after time, singing your praises.
Discover Their Other Needs and Help Fill Them
One of the things my coaching and corporate clients appreciate is the
large network I have cultivated because I can draw resources to fill all
their needs. I have made referrals for a graphic designer, an
accountant, a therapist, an image consultant, a computer programmer.
Find out what your clients need by asking simple questions that can
make a significant difference. "What else are you looking for right now?"
"What else do you need?" "Anything else I can help you with?" "What
else can I do to make your life easier?" Ask and you shall know the
answers.
Share Innovative Information
Stay abreast of what is going on in the industries your clients care about.
Whenever you become aware of a new product, service, or an idea that
might make a difference for your clients, let them know. This tells them
you are thinking about them, and that you care and want to make their
life easier.
To attract clients who want to give you business, create great word of
mouth. It is still the world's most valuable and most sought after
marketing tool. The easiest way to create great word of mouth for your
business is to make things easier for your clients. Amaze them so that
they tell everyone about you. Do these things and watch your business
grow.
Caterina Rando, MA, MCC coaches entrepreneurs and direct sellers to
be innovative in their thinking and action in order to succeed with ease.
She is a sought after speaker, master certified coach and author of the
national best-seller Learn to Power Think. Caterina is also the Success
Center Director for the Direct Selling Women's Alliance and contributing
author to the soon to be released book Build it Big-101 Secrets of Top
Direct Selling Experts. Caterina can be reached by email at cpr@caterinar.com. Visit her website at
www.caterinar.com" for personal and business success articles
and a beautiful, colorful downloadable daily inspiration card.