Next to do is a “benefits list”. What benefits does your customer derive from doing business with you rather than your competitor? What makes your business or services special?
You may use the highest grade tin in the tin whistles that you’re selling, but the customer doesn’t care about that. What the customer cares about, is if that tin whistle is going to stay in one piece when his 6-year old plays with it for 6 months.
Look at “quality” as setting you apart from the competition – BUT from the customers POV (point of view). Once these lists are down on paper, look them over and honestly evaluate if your competitors offer the same benefits as you. If they do, then differentiate yourself and stress a competitive advantage.
Then develop your “elevator” pitch. If you only had 10 seconds to tell somebody what you did for a living that would make them want to know more – that’s your “elevator” pitch.
Some buy more, refer more, are easier to deal with, and keep coming back. Treat your “B” list customers like Royalty, but your “A” list like Family.
When you do have the capital to invest in some marketing, it’s always reassuring to new clients to read about the success of others doing business with you.
This will also elevate your credibility with new clients. Of course it goes without saying that “service” is the secret to every businesses success.
Get their pertinent information – name, address, phone number, what you did for them, etc.
Find a way, be it posts, fliers, whatever – but send them something once in a while, like every 4 weeks or monthly. If they’re not seeing your name regularly, when they need what you offer they won’t remember you.
You might sell tires and we know there’s only a certain number of tires you can expect a customer to buy in a year, but when they have unexpected tire damage or the time to replace tires rolls around why will they come back to you?
Is it because they got your postcard last week and it reminded them they needed replacements. They may have gotten a second car, and since they got your mail it reminded them to get tires from you. Remember, whatever you’re selling, they can go to your competitor unless you give them a reason to come to you!
Gauge your success by the cards you GOT, not gave. Offer those you contact a free consultation, and don’t give a sales-pitch during that time. Anyone can resist a sales presentation, but it’s hard to resist a free consultation that will help them solve whatever problem they have.
You’d be surprised how many clients will refer a friend or family member to you, just because they felt you were honest enough to tell them you couldn’t help them. Your customer list is worth its weight in platinum, especially if it’s bulging with information and it’s free to compile and insane not to.
With these tactics, it’s a foregone conclusion that more sales will not only naturally follow, but will be anchored down safe from competition.
