Another Example of Intelligent Follow Up

When I was about 11 years old, my father bought a new Buick after suffering through a slew of let-me-down Fords. I distinctly remember the kind saleswoman who sold him that car. She seemed to really care about her clients. Every year after that sale, my father would receive a birthday card, an anniversary card and a Christmas card. It did not matter that my father only observed his wedding anniversary. What mattered was that this lady cared enough to keep in touch. She even kept us posted each time she changed dealerships. When I reflect that this woman systematically followed up with her clients long before customer management software existed, I can only conclude that she was truly a master of her trade.

Oftentimes, we lose out on opportunities to gain a new client or another chance to "wow" our existing clients simply because we have failed to stay in touch. If you have ever felt the pain of loss due to a missed opportunity as I have, I doubt that it is something you care to relive. Thus, I am offering you a chance to eliminate such experiences from your case files. In fact, you can try this system at my expense. Email me at sales@getmoreroi.net with "Follow up" in the subject line for your complimentary gift.

Imagine the possibilities that this new service will provide. You will be able to meet someone at a trade show today and send them a card later that same day as a follow up. Likewise, you will be able to touch bases with a new prospect shortly after your first meeting. You will not have to worry if they will remember you because you can send your picture along with the card.

Of course, I could continue telling you about the system but it is best that you experience it for yourself today. Email me at sales@getmoreroi.net with "Follow up" in the subject line.

To Our Success!

Do You Deliver Quality Service to Your Clients?

If your business entails customer contact, I am sure you have heard the phrase, "Underpromise.Overdeliver." This strategy was one of the first things I learned to use to be successful. What is considered good customer service and how do we deliver it?

Quality service involves returning phone calls promptly and relaying accurate information about your products and services. Think about what matters most to your clients. No doubt, your clients appreciate on-time delivery of goods and services, easy access to you, and hearing from you on non-sales occasions. If you have done an excellent job of delivering world-class customer service, why not emphasize your excellence with a gift that really delivers?

Take a look at the gift idea shown here. It's a replica of a 1913 Delivery Truck and it comes imprinted with your logo and your choice of the following: chocolate gourmet mints, chocolate almonds, extra fancy jumbo cashews, chocolate almonds and chocolate gourmet mints, jumbo cashews and chocolate gourmet mints, or chocolate almonds and jumbo cashews. Other vehicles available include a 1951 dump truck, 1911 pick-up truck, 1925 stake truck, 1931 pick-up truck, 1913 ambulance, 1927 tank truck, classic 18-wheeler, and a 1939 armored car bank.

For more ideas, visit my website. Or call me toll-free at 877.667.7642.

Make Your Clients Feel Special --Send a Card

Did you know that 9 out of 10 Americans prefer a handwritten letter or greeting card to other forms of communication? It should not seem strange to you that in this Internet Age, our clients still require that personal touch. Consider this. Emails get deleted accidentally and voice messages are lost but a personal note is something your client can refer to over and over. If that message includes your business logo, those repeat impressions will help keep your brand "top of mind" in the minds of those who matter most--your customers.

What could be better than a greeting card emblazoned with your logo? A greeting card emblazoned with your logo that includes a music CD branded with your logo. The card displays your logo in the following three places: front cover, inside, and back cover. Add those places to the logo on the compact disc and you have four impressions. As an added bonus, the back cover declares your company's commitment to the environment since these cards are printed on special eco-friendly paper.

The true beauty of the CD greeting card, however, is it carries a higher perceived value than your basic card. Clients know that greeting cards can run as low as 50 cents each at your local "Stuff for a Dollar" outlet. Don't risk offending your client base with a cheap card. Go the extra mile and come off a hero just by keeping in touch with your clients.

Ordering your cards is a cinch with WLB Enterprises. Simply select your CD/playlist first. Then, determine how you would like to brand or personalize your card and CD. If you get stuck, we are just a phone call away at 1.877.667.7642. Be sure to ask about our CD cards for real estate and other markets. We are happy to send our greeting card catalog so you can shop at your leisure. Send your requests to sales@getmoreroi.net.

To Your Success!

Obama, McCain, and Flip-Flops

I did a few google searches today on both of the presidential candidates just to humor myself. My few seconds' worth of research revealed that both sides face accusations of being "flip-flops." One site I ran across even proclaimed itself to be the "master list of flip-flops committed by McCain."

Anyway, all this talk about flip-flops got me thinking about the original flip-flops. You know, the kind you wear on your feet?

It seems that corporate's perception of flip-flops has changed over the years. What was once seen as a business attire faux pas is now a welcome advertising vehicle at meetings, cruises, beach incentive packages, employee vacations, and award galas. Why did corporate change its mind? Two reasons. First, the company logo can be placed on the bottom of the sandal, turning it into a "talking" footprint. Second, employees and other recipients will take the footwear home where they will continue to wear it to the grocery store, picnics and other places. Remember, home is one of the places where buying decisions are made so an investment in custom sandals would be an investment well spent. Consider just two case histories supporting this fact.

A major cosmetics firm brainstormed ways to advertise a new shower gel to the college crowd. They handed out a special pair of flip-flops at major US college campuses along with their new product carrying the following tagline: "Save Water - Shower with a Friend."

A major U.S. financial institution participates in various charity runs across the country during the summer. They used branded footwear to increase brand awareness and support their sponsorship.

Other organizations could benefit from this kind of exposure. Imagine the possibilities! A vacation club could send it to their clients to motivate them to make travel reservations. Sales managers could inspire their sales teams to qualify for trips with custom sandals using a slogan like, "Just think. In a few weeks, you could be wearing one of these."

Could your firm use more exposure? Sure it could! The solution may be just a footprint away.

Is Word-of-Mouth Advertising Still Relevant?

The other day I stopped by a local car wash to clean my car. It was one of those places where you vacuum for free and pay only for the wash. Unfortunately, I had already vacuumed my car at a gas station when I saw a billboard advertising the place and their $3 express wash. Good thing I saw that sign because I was about to spend $7 for the same service at another gas station.

When I arrived at the car wash, I remembered that this business had opened just a few months ago so I struck up a conversation with the attendant to see how business was for him. He said it was good but asked me to tell all my friends about them. His request reminded me how important word-of-mouth advertising still is.

In fact, word-of-mouth is the main way my husband advertises his landscaping business, except for the signs on his trucks and trailers. I should know. As his office manager, I am the primary contact for new customers and I always ask them how did they hear about us. Inevitably, it was through a friend's or neighbor's recommendation.

As a small business owner, you may struggle to get your name "out there." Treat your clients like friends and seek to build lasting relationships with them so that they can serve as your private team of "brand ambassadors." Even better, position yourself as the expert in your respective field. Why? People tend to gravitate toward leaders and will look to them for advice. Use that to your advantage and, over time, you will see growth.

Yes, word-of-mouth advertising still works. Of course, web 2.0 is here to stay so you do need to get on board and begin utilizing this important tool. More on that in a later post.