Business & marketing:
Remember these basics!
We often hear about getting back to fundamentals in business
& marketing, whatever business we may be in. There is a lot
of truth to that and I want to share a couple powerful
basics that are all too often forgotten:
1. Use a "be back soon" coupon or program to
incentivize return visits and purchases. This is not just
for coffee shops and restaurants! Get creative and think
about how it can work in your business.
2. One of the most fundamental and perpetually effective
marketing techniques is the handwritten thank you note.
Make sure it says something that is specific to that
particular person and mail it (yes, snail mail!). The only
mail I get any more that's not "direct mail" from
advertisers is from my mother and father. When I get a
genuine, handwritten card from anyone, I am impressed and
appreciative! For me, a card received through Send Out Cards
is not nearly as good. First, it looks fake, although it
tries to look like real handwriting, it doesn't. They all
look the same. Second, it means a lot to me when someone
takes an actual pen in their hands, selects a card,
handwrites on it, addresses it, tamps it and mails it. Why
Because it took effort! And hopefully, their words are
meaningful, as well.
3. Extra bonus with purchase. You can give an gift
with a customer or client's purchase. Again, the unexpected
has a powerfully positive impact. You can give it
immediately at time of purchase or send it right after. It
doesn't have to be expensive, but it will make an impact.
4. One of the simplest techniques in business & marketing is
the simple yet stunningly impactful courtesy call.
This is the call you or a staff person makes after a client
or customer receives your service (dentist, carpet cleaning,
taxes, almost any business!) to see how they are doing, any
questions or concerns. This call is zero about selling and
ALL about wow-ing them, because who does that??
©
2009 Anne Alexander, all rights reserved in
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