Too often we get so caught up in thinking of ways to reach our
customers-online, mail, Web site, twitter, blog, and Facebook- that
sometimes we forget the old fashioned way, seeing them in
person.
For those of you in a business-to-business (B2B) selling situation,
that means going to your client's office or maybe even taking them
to lunch. A business-to-consumer (B2C) seller should
get out on the sales floor more
often.
Sure, you have plenty to do in your office. Bookwork, address
personnel issues, or finish your most recent project, but there
isn't anything more important than the personal touch of
seeing your clients face-to-face.
While we are all busy (is there anyone out there that isn't?), your
clients and customers still want to see you and know that you
care.
OK, I realize it may sound a little corny, but the people factor
still plays a huge part in selling any product or service.
People still buy from
people.
There has been a huge increase in online purchasing. Which means
there is a lot of buying done without any personal interaction.
And if you can sell your product in strictly that way, you are
extremely fortunate.
Many sales still depend on some personal interaction and it is
critical that you know when your marketing depends on it and when
it doesn't.
Don't ignore your
customers and the necessary personal touch. Try not to
forget them when you get busy with the operational part of your
business.
A few ways to reach out and touch your clients:
Retail Businesses-
1. Personally greet your
customers when they come through the front door. How many times
has that happened to you? Differentiate your business.
2. Ask their opinion of new
products you are carrying or thinking of carrying. Give them
samples to try.
3. Have an open house or
theme event. Announce that you will be holding a holiday open
house with food, prizes and/or speakers. Choose an unusual holiday
such as National Popcorn Day, National Pie Day, Friendship Day, or
Son and Daughter Day. Be creative.
Commercial/Industrial
Businesses-
1. Have an open house at
your headquarters. Invite all your good clients and
prospects.
2. If you are a national
company, hold regional meetings closer to your customers'
location. Invite several attendees and give them a chance to meet
other clients.
3. Surprise your customer by
personally delivering a small gift to them, for no special
reason.
There are more, but this gives you an idea of the type of personal
attention you can give your customers.
Spend time with your customers, so that when your competitor comes
knocking at their door they won't answer.
Cindy
Neky
Cindy's Blog
cneky@marketingpathways.com
www.MarketingPathways.com