Being a sales and marketing coach, I am always on the lookout for stellar service and strategies I can model and share with my coaching clients. A cruise my husband Bob and I took from Alaska to Vancouver had many positive business lessons that can easily be applied to your promotional products business.
Here are three great tips that will help you and your company stand out and attract more business.
1. Go beyond correcting mistakes. The first day onboard our ship, our room was missing some amenities. We called to have them delivered ASAP. Not only did we get our shampoo and soap, we also got a bowl of fresh fruit and a bottle of wine. We quickly forgot the little oversight and settled into having a wonderful trip.
Tip from Rosalie: The next time you’re correcting a business mistake, go beyond just correcting the mistake and add something extra. Leave your clients with a wonderful feeling about your company and they’ll soon forget the mistake and become raving fans!
2. Always carry your business card and a small self-promotion. I’m not one to suggest working on vacations, that’s no fun but you never know whom you’re going to meet and how they can use your services. One day at breakfast I was seated with the marketing director of a Fortune 500 company. We exchanged cards and agreed to keep in touch. Many of my best clients have come from these casual meetings. I’ve met clients on airplanes, elevators and the beach. You never know where your next great contact is coming from.
Tip from Rosalie: Always have a business card with you. Use a high-quality card and put your cards in an attractive case. Additionally, always have a custom imprinted promotional item such as a pen, notepad or box of mints to hand someone with your card. It’s a great way to be memorable, promote what you do and increase sales.
3. Survey your clients often. The last day onboard our ship we were given a brief survey to fill in to rate the service. I was happy to do it, since I was so pleased. A friend I met onboard had a constructive criticism about a workshop she had attended. Since this ship is known for impeccable service, you can be sure they’ll read all the surveys and correct the situation.
Tip from Rosalie: When was the last time you surveyed your clients? Finding out what your clients like and don’t like keeps you in touch, upgrades your service and lets your clients know that you care! Don’t skip this step if you want to increase sales.
With so much competition for business these days, adding small extra touches like those mentioned in this article are sure to help you stand out, be memorable and attract more business.
I would enjoy hearing from you. What positive experiences have you had that you can model in your promotional products business? What extra touches can you add to be memorable and create customers for life?
Looking for more ideas to easily increase your sales? Get a free Skyrocket Your Spring Sales audio download with non-stop ideas to increase your sales, plus hundreds in supplier discounts and my new special report, “10 Big Mistakes Promotional Professionals Make and How to Avoid Them and Double Your Sales,” at my website www.promobizcoach.com.
