Depending upon what news sources you pay attention to, our newly-inaugurated President is ushering in a new era of bullying and fear, or it is a bright new dawn of freedom and deregulation.
As a tax accountant, I am keeping my powder dry and holding to a strong “wait and see” approach. And as a Newtown Square, PA business owner, I am remembering that whatever the direction of my country or culture, it is *my* job to steer the ship for my team and to take positive action towards assisting our clients and working towards our team goals.
What are YOU doing? Are you taking positive steps this week? Are you making accurate financial projections, and proceeding with a metrics-oriented plan?
If not, let’s discuss that soon. After this week, perhaps?
In the meantime, you can’t be sitting back and “hoping” that the general picture improves without taking decisive and productive action. You must work to get more clients and qualified leads (emphasis on “qualified”).
My continuing drumbeat in these Notes is that one of the most important aspects of your Newtown Square, PA business is your sales pipeline. Seems intuitive, perhaps, but does the use of your time reflect how important this is?
See, even this week (of all weeks), I’m taking precious time to post this note to our readers, and offer you continuing, deeper value above my “core” services. There’s many reasons why I do this, of course (I’ve written about it previously), but the main point is that I’m taking action — even when it’s becoming very busy, and easy to just work “in” my business.
Here’s an idea of how you might too.
How To Improve Customer Relationships For Newtown Square, PA Businesses
“Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” -William Shakespeare
Despite what you and I may discuss when we go over your books, your customers and prospects are more than mere numbers. And, of course, they have the normal range of human emotions.
One of those being the flush of pleasure at getting more than they asked or bargained for.
You know what I’m referring to — it’s the same feeling YOU get when an unexpected note or gift arrives in the mail. It’s that same feeling you get when finding some cash in your pants pocket in the morning.
So … right now imagine how your customer will feel about you when they purchase a product or service and receive an added bonus. Imagine how your prospects will respond to your marketing when they receive a free gift (without even making a purchase).
In this crazy economy, your customers and prospects will migrate to “best value”, and you can ensure it’s NOT just about “price” when you add a simple step to your marketing … the unexpected bonus.
It’s an easy way to instantly improve your relationship with both customers and prospects.
Quick Ideas for gifts that may cost you nothing
Follow-Up Phone Call to say “thanks” (or with a simple greeting)
Free Whitepapers or Reports
Newsletters
Admittance to teleseminars or webinars
Industry-specific bonuses (i.e. recipes, sporting tips, coupons)
Trial offers for a different service or product
Ideas for gifts that may cost you a small amount
Company logo items (hats, water bottles, mouse pads, etc.)
Non-related materials (stuffed animals, candy, paperweights, etc.)
One of your products or services at no cost to them
Calendars
Food (always a favorite)
And while you may not *immediately* see a return, the long-term health of your customer relationships will undoubtedly show up in your retention and sales figures long term. Yes, the return on your “gift” investment could be worth thousands of dollars in sales.
Just make a little bit of effort now … and your customers AND your bottom line will thank you.
Feel very free forward this article to a Newtown Square, PA business associate or client you know who could benefit from our assistance — or simply send them our way? While these particular articles usually relate to business strategy, as you know, we specialize in tax preparation and planning for Newtown Square, PA families and business owners. And we always make room for referrals from trusted sources like you.
Warmly,
Stephen Venuti
610-353-0686
Stephen J. Venuti, CPA, MST, LLC
