Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Recession Proof Your Business


Thank a Customer a day –

Did you know acquiring a new customer can cost 8 to 10 times more than retaining an existing one; this can be a costly approach. According to customer relationship management experts, companies can increase revenue by 50% if they retain only 5% more of their customers.

Businesses lose business because they don’t keep in regular touch with their customers and clients? They have good intentions for personal communication with them but just can't find the time? It is also said that customers go somewhere else due to perceived indifference. Remember to appreciate your customers or someone else will.

If you are a successful business owner, you know the value of building relationships with your customers. Part of that starts with showing your customers that you appreciate their business and that you care. Do you want to DOUBLE your sales?
Do you want every one of your customers to come back and buy from you again and again? Do you want referrals? Do you want them to remember you when they talk to family and friends?

Would you like a stream of endless referrals?

All you have to do is simply THANK A CUSTOMER A DAY.
That's the advice from the world's leading sales gurus who stress the importance of the customer AFTER the sale.

THINK about this. When was the last time someone thanked YOU for YOUR purchase? For your on-going business? Or for a referral? Sent you a birthday card? An Anniversary card?

Usually it makes you feel appreciated and valued, and makes you want to do business with that person again and again and refer them to other family and friends.
Too often we know this, but do not do it because it's to time consuming or costly. But if it costs 8 to 10 times more to get new customers, why not take the time to retain the ones we have. Let your customers and clients know you care. If you don’t show your customers you appreciate them, someone else will.

Happy Thanking!
http://www.cardsbypaintedlady.com/
"Changing Lives, One Card at a Time"

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Follow-up is Key to Success

The Fortune is in the Follow-up

But What and How do You do it? Or Have it done unto You?

Here are some key statistics on follow up:

48% of sales people never follow up with a prospect
25% of sales people make a second contact and stop
12% of sales people only make three contacts and stop
Only 10% of sales people make more than three contacts
2% of sales are made on the first contact
3% of sales are made on the second contact
5% of sales are made on the third contact
10% of sales are made on the fourth contact
80% of sales are made on the fifth to twelfth contact

Being in the marketing business I often have people make the statement to me, “Well when I get some customers I will use your product and service.” Huh?

So I ask….how do you follow up with your prospects? And I get varied answers depending on the business. Sometimes I see this blank look on their face and I know they belong to the 48%.

I relate the selling process to that of dating or the really old fashion term - courting. Now I know things have changed a great deal in regards to dating, but think about it. We want the prospects to notice us, to like us, trust us, like our product or service. How do you do that if it’s not ‘Love at First Site?’

We get blasted with all types of media, print ads, direct mail, emails, and the list goes on for products and services that everyone thinks and knows we need before we know we think we need or want it.

So my question is ….. What do you pay attention to in relation to a salesperson’s follow-up? What gets your attention? Email? Direct Mail – (something that is obliviously a form letter)? Personal Mail? Phone calls?

How do you prefer a salesperson to follow up with you? How do you wish to be courted? How does a salesperson gain your respect and trust?

These are the questions I ponder since I am in the relationship marketing business. My goal is to help businesses build relationships with clients and prospects for a source of endless referrals. So when someone makes the statement “I’ll call you when I get some clients….” Are they saying I don’t have any money to spend on your product or service or they just don’t understand good old fashion ‘courting?’

Happy Courting!
Painted Lady Enterprises
Gifts, Greeting Cards, & Promotional Products
www.PaintedLadyEnterprises.com
“Helping You and Your Business Look Good”

 

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