I started working with another new client last week. He has been in business for about a year and a half. Yes, he has managed to make plenty of mistakes, like we all do. But, he has done something so very right that I thought I'd share it with you.
This business owner has kept accurate records of all his customers, complete with name, address, phone, even directions to their houses (he makes house calls).
I don't think I've actually worked with a client before who kept such good customer records. Generally, they have information like "Joe" and a phone number that only has six numbers. But, this is such a critical success point.
His customer list gives us a tremendous resource to work with. We can market to that list for repeat business. We can market for referrals. We can market for sales of additional products and services. We can get testimonials which we'll use to attract new customers. It's a veritable gold mine that we can mine from over and over. Without the list we would be starting from scratch and re-inventing the wheel.
Of course,you never want to abuse your customer's information or act in a distrustful manner. That's a great way to lose your customer and create "un-referrals"-"Don't do business with him, he's a jerk."
So, whether you're conducting business online, offline, or both, your customer list is a tremendously valuable asset. Guard it like a dragon guards its treasure.
Caroline Jordan helps self employed professionals discover the hidden treasure in their businesses, attract customers they enjoy working with, improve cash flow, and develop additional revenue sources. For more tips and strategies for success visit http://www.thejordanresult.com
shuttle from Midway Glen Ellyn ..10 Best Practices to consider as your SBIR negotiations approach... Read More
This year, some 700,000 American businesses will be sold. Most... Read More
A recent survey indicated that clean Taxi Cabs Fleets have... Read More
A few years ago, I visited Beijing for the first... Read More
I have a confession to make. My name is Caroline... Read More
If you want to start a business in 2005, and... Read More
Where do you find the right people for a business... Read More
1. TargetYou are not all things to all people. Decide... Read More
There is a Batting Cages Business for those people who... Read More
In a world full of complications sometimes we overlook the... Read More
One of the greatest pitfalls in e-commerce is Field of... Read More
Many of our nations 400,000 franchisees run their businesses out... Read More
When a regulator finds a target to go after to... Read More
Before you start a business we encourage you to prepare... Read More
CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR INTERN: Specify the number of hours the... Read More
Many new ventures are preoccupied with all the money they... Read More
BioTechs even with the latest news had shed over 1000... Read More
Cash is King?That is what everyone tells us and it... Read More
Want your small business to flip instead of flop?! Statistically... Read More
Every business plan book tells you how the Executive Summary... Read More
How do marine type businesses start? Have you ever thought... Read More
That sizzling sound you're hearing may be a symptom of... Read More
Auto detailers are often asked to clean boats and detail... Read More
If you are the boss and you think your job... Read More
-- Beyond Cold Calling, "Warm" Calling and Sending E-mails --Many... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare North Chicago ..It has been said that the only constant is change.... Read More
The success of your business depends on your ability to... Read More
North County San Diego has had some significant growth, and... Read More
If a customer owes your local business money, it's hard... Read More
The easiest way to lift profits is to cut the... Read More
It is most fascinating to study how entrepreneurs spot opportunity... Read More
When a person knows and knows not that he knows.... Read More
In my previous article, Step 1, your challenge for the... Read More
Sacred cows take a long time to die. We get... Read More
How careful are you with the data you collect from... Read More
Starting and managing a small business is no fun chore,... Read More
Has this ever happened to you... 'John, you have a... Read More
If you are just starting your business, or if you... Read More
When is the Chamber ideal for your business?Joining a Chamber... Read More
Becoming a contractor or sub-contractor for the U.S. government can... Read More
Many small companies work very hard to get new accounts.... Read More
Are you a small business owner who wants to expand... Read More
During the California Recall Election, I was very interested. Without... Read More
Small businesses need Public Relations, possibly more than large corporations,... Read More
Sexual Harassment is a disturbing part of employment life in... Read More
"The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing... Read More
"So what?" is a lovely question.It can lead to a... Read More
Many have not experienced a fire up close. One year... Read More
If you are looking for a way to own your... Read More
The start of a new year is a time for... Read More
Small Business |