When inundated with daily tasks of running a business, it’s easy to overlook some of the simpler ways to make a big impact with your customers. Here are my top 5 EASY ways to make your business better:
1. Type, don’t handwrite
Whether you are a well-oiled
entrepreneurial machine or a home-based cleaning service, typing your
correspondence, ads, coupons, etc. is an absolute must. I saw an ad for a piano
instructor posted on the neighbourhood mailboxes…written in marker. Despite
what might have been stellar credentials, the lack of professionalism in the
delivery of the information tainted the information itself. Save handwritten
notes for personal correspondence like Christmas cards and thank you notes.
2. No typos!
Similar to point #1, credibility is lost
immediately if there are typos on a webpage, email, advertisement, etc. Taking
the time to review, re-review and then have someone else do the same is time
well spent. Typos and errors speak volumes to potential customers, conveying a perceived
level of professionalism, care for detail and pride of ownership – all qualities
that contribute to the overall perception of a business.
3. Respond in a timely BUT relevant fashion
Consumer behaviour research
indicates that when customers are ready to make the leap to contact your
business, it is the result of having a need or want they are looking to satisfy,
usually accompanied by a sense of urgency. Don’t miss this opportunity to be
the one to answer their call (or email!). While time is of the essence, do take
some time to know what the potential customer is seeking. A prompt but
irrelevant email reply is just as damaging to the relationship you are building
as is a delayed response. I know a bride-to-be who emailed a wedding planning
company with questions about specific services. What she received, while
prompt, was an automated response showing that no one actually read her email.
That business was quickly removed from her list of potential suppliers.
4. Answer the phone like a pro
This one is pretty straight-forward but
often easy to overlook. Remember that a customer contacting you is extremely
valuable. Answer every call like it’s your next big client; be courteous,
polite, speak clearly and be friendly. And oh yes, don’t sound like you were
just awoken from a nap by their call! Yes, that actually did happen...again to the bride I know.
5. Make sure your web links work
If you have a ‘contact us’ link, make sure
it actually does what it says and allows the customer to get the information to
contact you. Make sure your webpages load properly for various browsers and
now, more than ever, devices just as iPads and smart phones. Because web pages
are typically the first point of contact for potential customers, ensuring the links
are functional is essential and will influence the opinion and perception of
your business’s professionalism.
Summary: Don’t waste an opportunity to make
a great impression. You don’t have to jump over the moon to serve; following
these 5 easy tips will go a long way to creating a positive experience for
potential customers and existing clients alike. A positive experience is the
basis for building great customer relationships. Good luck!
Do you have any other easy but essential tips
to share? Don’t be shy, please comment below! Our community is richer the more
we learn from eachother.
No comments:
Post a Comment