At the risk of sounding like a broken record, today I want to emphasize the importance of people in the world of business. Whether it is a giant multinational corporation or a sole trader working from home, all business transactions boil down to a contact between two individuals. It's how you handle yourself in these one-to-one situations that will determine your success or failure. Today's article will hopefully give you some ideas that will help. Enjoy!
Author's Name: John Corcoran TC,BA,Assoc.Dip.Small Bus.(The AffiliateAngel)8.
FOUR WAYS TO GUARANTEE REPEAT BUSINESS
At the backbone of every successful business is the repeat customer. While it
is great to get referrals, it is important to realize that a referral may
result in an interested individual taking a look at a business or store, but
by and large curiosity rarely translates into sales. On the other hand, a
customer who already knows what to expect, who understands your way of doing
business, and who comes back for more is an almost guaranteed sale! Yet in a
day and age when customer service is virtually and certifiably dead – have
you ever approached a store employee only to have the person shrug her or his
shoulders and tell you it’s not their job? – it becomes harder and harder to
entice customers or clients to come back.
Nonetheless, here are four ways to guarantee repeat business:
1. Be careful whom you hire. He might be your Cousin Betty’s favorite nephew,
but if his attitude leaves something to be desired he will be more of an
albatross around your business’ neck than an asset. Business and family
sometimes do not mix well, and it may become rather awkward if you have to
fire your kid sister, but the bottom line is simple: whoever is working for
you is representing the business, and this representation needs to be made in
such a way that the customer will love to come back. Personable, kind, and
polite service are a must!
2. Know your business just a little better than the competition knows theirs.
If you are a carpet cleaner, you will want to keep up with the latest and the
greatest innovations. Think of the termite companies that have since time
immemorial tented homes in order to eradicate termites with poisonous gasses.
The new innovation was orange oil and most companies simply scoffed at the
idea – until one or two companies took up the challenge and learned all there
was about this new product. These companies are now running circles around
the competition and repeat business is guaranteed!
3. Treat your client or customer well. Friendly customer service, superior
product or service, and a personalized attitude to the business are a must.
Yet so is the ability to apologize and rectify a situation that might have
gone wrong. If you are a dog groomer and instead of giving the Bichon Frise
its special Bichon cut, you went ahead and mistook it for a poodle and gave
it a poodle do........ While this is a big oops, the fact that you are not
charging for the service, but instead will make weekly appointments at the
customer’s home to even out the cut as it grows out; with complimentary nail
clippings and shampoos to boot will go a long ways to ensuring that this
customer likes the way you correct a mistake. The odds are good she or he
will come back.
4. Last but not least, do not nickel and dime your customers. Many businesses
have taken to charging late fees, electricity recovery fees, fuel fees, and a
host of other surcharge, fees, and other sums – all of which leave the
customers with a bad taste in their mouths. Instead of allowing yourself to
follow this questionable business practice, make sure that the price you
quote is the price you charge, and rather than trying to keep posted prices
low by not factoring in your operating costs, incorporate them in your prices
even if this makes you a bit more expensive. When consumers realize that you
do not charge extra fees they will love you!
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Author Resource Box
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John Corcoran is a retired High School Teacher of Business Studies, from NSW,
Australia. His aim is to help people to be successful while building his own
internet business. He recommends the following sites as helpful:
http://www.AffiliateAngel.biz/optin.htmlhttp://www.affiliateangel.biz/blog/http://www.affiliateangel.bizhttp://www.AffiliateAngel.biz/pips.htmlIn business, as in life, often the best course is to follow the Golden Rule. That's all for now. Bye till next time. John
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