With help from San Diego's North Island Credit Union, here are some tips for businesses that wish to enhance their chances for long-term success, even in an economic recession. They suggest that you do these five customer-related things well:
- Be Different. Krispy Kreme makes millions of doughnuts daily, yet, they have two small differences from other doughnut chains - First, they replaced walls with glass so children and parents alike could be amazed by the automated doughnut production. Second, every customer is welcomed with a free, fresh doughnut hot off the line!
- Nuture Sales. 80% of your business comes from 20% of your customers. Find ways to thank customers all year. Personal notes or emails are good, or introducing frequent buyer and referral incentives.
- Create Sizzle. Avoid peaks and valleys caused by too much focus on the day-to-day business. Embrace a marketing plan that combines strategic and frequent advertising buys with ongoing public relations, special events, direct mail and email promos.
- Stick to It. Define specific actions for each week. Qualify potential customers. Communicate value. Refine your offerings and keep building relationships.
- Be Prepared. Keep good records and perform against the plan that enabled you to secure your first business loans. Include a data base of customers so you do not lose touch with your greatest source of income - the all important 20% group.
D.C.
2 comments:
Hey, nice to see your back (and your front--very handsome photo).
Congratulations on your marriage. I'm glad you're so happy.
The other night about 10pm, and I went online to get an e-quote on some health insurance. I filled out the basic form request and reluctantly, filled in my phone number. I did select the check-box that stated to call in the mornings. Within two minutes, I received an e-mail with some companies that would give me specific quotes. And then the phone rang. It was 10:10 p.m and a sales agent was calling in response to my request. I was appalled that someone would be calling my home at that hour to try to sell me something. I understand the nature of sales but this seemed very out of line. He seemed a bit put out that I declined wanting to discuss my insurance needs at this late hour.
For me, part of the appeal with doing business on the internet is the convenience of doing things on my clock and not having to deal with sales people. I would rather read the info on my own and then generate my own business call.
Any advice?
thanks
Dear Anonymous,
All I can say is, UNACCEPTABLE! I assume you were sincere in your attempt to find the right insurance package. But, any company that would call at that time of night is not someone to give your business. This is a desperate sales agent, not a professional.
Insurance people should be taught to be counselors not salespeople. When we ask for advise on insurance, it is usually a very personal issue. You have every right to be appalled.
Unfortunately, the convenience of doing business on the Internet sometimes is off-set by dealing with unprofessional individuals and companies. I believe that for something as personal as insurance, calling the well-known reputable names in insurance is worth any extra premium you pay.
Thanks for the comment.
D.C.
Post a Comment