|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Who's talking to your customers? Is it your competition? Why or why not? When you stop to think about it, these are valid questions. Most people rely on some sort of clientele for their business, and can improve on customer relations. A more holistic approach to this process incorporates the more global question:
How can I create customers for life?
Two main objectives in the "customers for life" program are getting repeat business and referrals from your clients. Amazingly, few people diligently pursue these objectives. Many studies have demonstrated that the cost to obtain a new client greatly exceeds the cost to obtain repeat business or referrals from existing clients. Some of the key concepts in mastering the "customer for life" notion include positioning yourself or your company in the mind of your customers as the valid solution to their problem, creating a relationship with your clients, and overtly soliciting referrals. Obviously the concepts can be adjusted depending on the type of industry one is in. Let's examine each concept by itself.
Assuming that a business agreement has been reached, it is important to continue to reinforce the idea that you are the continued, and ongoing solution to a challenge, in the client's mind. This is accomplished through continued and planned communications with the client regarding the service or product that is provided. Product or service updates, or other free information are also examples of this kind of communication. For instance, a mortgage professional may supply each of her clients with quarterly rate-updates to keep them informed about the market -- she includes her name with each update. Other reasons to contact customers could be a product/service survey or announcement.
Closely intermingled with planned and continued communications with clients relating to specific products or services is the concept of "relationship marketing." This involves keeping informed about some aspect of the client's personal life, perhaps sending greetings on special occasions, for instance. Popular businessman and author, Harvey Mackay, has incorporated the "Mackay 66" in his business. This is a comprehensive, detailed information sheet about clients that incorporates everything from anniversary dates to birthdates of the client's children.
The list contains his clients' business and personal data. Mackay attributes much of his success and that of his organization to the concept of taking a very personal interest in his clients' lives and interests. He also has developed very close and enduring friendships with his clients that are personally gratifying.
Finally, the concept of continued solicitations for referrals is important to people who produce at a high level. An old saying goes, "ask and you shall receive." While one may have very satisfied clients, a referral is many more times likely if it is kindly requested. Most of the high producing people in any field can completely relate to this. Even satisfied clients need to be approached to get referrals. If you're not asking your clients for referrals, your competition may be!
High-producing people will testify to the effectiveness of getting to know their clients. Also, high producers remind clients of a job well done by staying in touch and by asking for continued business. If you're honest, and good at what you do, you owe your clients and their possible referrals no less.
Set aside some time to plan and make it a priority. Otherwise, it will be one more important idea that is sidestepped by the urgent activities of life.
Eric Johnson is a regular contributor to the Investor's Value View financial newsletter. To send comments to Mr. Johnson or to learn more about the Investor's Value View newsletter, visit .
1. Spend money on targeted advertising instead of mass media... Read More
When selling a product to a consumer, one of the... Read More
Keeping up with what words are in and out isn't... Read More
Assumptions can kill a sale. In my sales training workshops,... Read More
Bill Brooks of The Brooks Group wrote an article several... Read More
I would like you to begin thinking of mailboxes in... Read More
Ideal clients are the ones who are perfect for you.... Read More
You want to increase the flow of sales revenue, but... Read More
Most people don't realize how powerful a negotiating tool silence... Read More
Just because we receive a referral, it doesn't mean that... Read More
Does your business run on a sales engine or a... Read More
There is little doubt that eLearning has not achieved the... Read More
Here are three proven ways that will increase your sales:1.... Read More
Your mission as a business owner is to develop a... Read More
PEOPLE DO BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE THEY KNOW, LIKE, & TRUST.... Read More
I'm about to challenge your belief system, or at least... Read More
There's an old saying, "Don't air your dirty laundry".If you're... Read More
My wife and I watched the movie Ray a couple... Read More
1. They talk instead of LISTEN. Too many salespeople monopolize... Read More
1. Multiply your marketing and advertising efforts on the Internet.... Read More
I worked for years as a mortgage loan officer. During... Read More
During the late 1980's I was a field sales representative... Read More
"Yeah right!" I thought to myself as I started to... Read More
From surveys and experience, we've noticed many setting excellent goals... Read More
You deal with rejections, frustrations, disappointment, and possibly disrespect on... Read More
Although David has been a graphic designer for a decade,... Read More
One of the most difficult things we deal with as... Read More
How do you persuade someone to do what you want... Read More
How many times have you had a customer say to... Read More
It has been said that a customer makes a decision... Read More
You've probably heard people speaking about someone that he was... Read More
1. Be on time. In fact, arrive a few minutes... Read More
The art of backend sellingThe backend sale can be more... Read More
Ever lost a sale? Of course you have, we all... Read More
On average a sales person spends less than two hours... Read More
In sales we do tend to become focused upon our... Read More
"I recommend the 5.8 GHz Digital Phone, because it suits... Read More
I just finished reading another sales copy ending with the... Read More
I recently found myself suffering from a lousy cold; all... Read More
I'm not a fan of "The Donald" and I had... Read More
Many of us in sales are taught to believe that... Read More
Increase your sales-in five minutes. This article is the third... Read More
Every day is critical when you are in the business... Read More
Have you ever found a lead on a scrap of... Read More
It makes no difference if you are a Saleswomen, a... Read More
I'll be brief. If not ? I'll negate my own... Read More
Do you find yourself making these kinds of assumptions?- "I... Read More
Tired of sending out sales letters that generate anemic response?... Read More
Think about it. If only it was as easy as... Read More
Have you ever eaten a soft taco? The shell isn't... Read More
Sales Training Sales Training |