Keeping Customers

Second, three ways to make sure those customers remain loyal:

1. Communicate Continuously

• I can't say this enough, communicate, communicate, communicate. If you want to become THE resource for your clients in your area, you have to be 'top of mind' for them when that area is mentioned. A great product or service and excellent customer service help, but so do reminders. This doesn't mean bombard them with junk mail and spam, but some formal marketing/communication plan is recommended. Make sure the communication adds value, remind them of an upcoming sale, provide tips or an informative article...something that they'll look at and make a mental note of at least. (see more information on Customer Communication in the resources Box).

2. Ask for and Act on Customer Feedback

• This is one that gets overlooked, or only half done many times. Ask your customers what they like and what your small business could do better AND then, ACT on it. I don't mean every piece of feedba
  Digital Video Recorders for Security and Information
  Digital video recorders (DVRs) are more than toys in our crime infested world. They are a necessary tool for security. In conjunction with CCTV cameras you can record everything that happens in your business 24 hours a day. The days of wondering what is going on in your other facility are gone.Using the internet, your business is under your control, 24/7/365. Using your DVR, now you simply open internet explorer, type in your IP address, input the proper username and password and you are remotely viewing a live video feed from your business.The benefits of digital video recorders are obvious. Remote viewing is being used more and more in the security industry as people become busier, traffic becomes heavier and the hours that business remains open is lengthening. You can be o
  Getting Customers

  First, three great ways to get customers to come to you:

  1. Get Visible

  • Join a Local Business Association
    Many communities and/or neighborhoods have business associations. Investigate to see if your area has one and if it does, join it. Get your face and your small business known in the community and become one of those people and businesses everyone knows—remember people prefer to do business with those they know and trust.
  • Volunteer at and/or Sponsor Community Based Events
    Another way to get your face and small business' name out there is by volunteering and/or sponsoring community based events. Something as small as donating products or services to a local PTA event gets your business in front of hundreds of parents...parents who will know that you support their kids and the community. All communities have opportunities for your small business to give back, and since you reap what you sow, get busy sowing!
  • Donate Your Products or Services
    Get involved with groups where you can donate your products and or services to help others. Whether it be a group of entrepreneurs just starting out, or as a resource for those in the community that are in need. Not only is providing others a step-up a rewarding experience, but it also provides your small business with great PR material

  2. Get the Word Out

  • Write and send out press releases
    Using press releases is an excellent way to establish your small business in its area of expertise and it's free publicity. Press Releases are easy to write, but if you're not comfortable writing them, hiring a professional is also an affordable option. (see the Resources Box for more information on Press Releases).
  • Offer Discounts to Current Customers for Recommending New Customers
    Word-of-mouth advertising is not only free, it's the best kind. When your current customers give live testimonials to their friends and associates, your small business is more likely to reap the reward of new customers. Offering incentives to your customers only makes them want to share the joy of doing business with your small business even more.
  • Write Informational Articles
    Yes, more writing. Why? Because it's an excellent way to get the word out! Writing informational pieces on topics that are related to your business should be relatively easy—if you have a scrapbooking store, write something on scrapbooking; if you're a plumber, writing about plumbing—just make sure to make the piece informative, useful and timely. Again, if you're not comfortable writing the piece yourself, work with a professional, it is more affordable than you might think.
    
    Once you've written your piece, submit it to publication's that would be interested in the topic. Associations are great resources for this and most of them have newsletters that are always in need of useful content. For example, if your own a dog grooming business, sending your article for consideration to a Dog Owners Club or Association for inclusion in their newsletter is a place to start. If you're considering trying to get into a magazine, make sure to check out their article submission guidelines—this avenue will be more difficult, but you can always try – I recommend sticking with association newsletters and submitting to article submission sites online. (see the Resources Box for more information on writing and submitting articles).

  3. Offer Incentives

  • Offer Discounted rates for new customers
    For service based small businesses, offering discounted rates to first time customers is a great way to let them "try you out." Once they've experienced how valuable it is to work with you, they'll be coming back for more—and referring others!
  • Sales and free gifts with purchase
    Sales are another great way to get customers in the door for the first or second or third time; as are free gifts with purchases. New customers can be more comfortable trying out new things at discounted rates and everyone likes a gift. If their experience is positive (and it will be!) and they are communicated with (see "Keeping Customers" below); they will return and become regular customers.

  Keeping Customers

  Second, three ways to make sure those customers remain loyal:

  1. Communicate Continuously

  • I can't say this enough, communicate, communicate, communicate. If you want to become THE resource for your clients in your area, you have to be 'top of mind' for them when that area is mentioned. A great product or service and excellent customer service help, but so do reminders. This doesn't mean bombard them with junk mail and spam, but some formal marketing/communication plan is recommended. Make sure the communication adds value, remind them of an upcoming sale, provide tips or an informative article...something that they'll look at and make a mental note of at least. (see more information on Customer Communication in the resources Box).

  2. Ask for and Act on Customer Feedback

  • This is one that gets overlooked, or only half done many times. Ask your customers what they like and what your small business could do better AND then, ACT on it. I don't mean every piece of feedbac
    Time for a New Job?
    Whether working for a company or organization for a year or decades, it is always difficult to decide when to move on to another employer. There are certain signs that any individual can look for around the work place. While may of these seem like common sense, others are more subtle and are just an important, if not more so.Time in the jobConsider how long you have been in the same job with the same title performing the same function. If it is longer than twenty-four months and a new job for the same employer is not pending, then it may be time to look for a new job. Consider changing jobs within a company or organization every eighteen to twenty-four months. Anything longer labels you as a “lifer” in the role.PromotionAre others around you in similar roles
    with groups where you can donate your products and or services to help others. Whether it be a group of entrepreneurs just starting out, or as a resource for those in the community that are in need. Not only is providing others a step-up a rewarding experience, but it also provides your small business with great PR material

  2. Get the Word Out

  • Write and send out press releases
    Using press releases is an excellent way to establish your small business in its area of expertise and it's free publicity. Press Releases are easy to write, but if you're not comfortable writing them, hiring a professional is also an affordable option. (see the Resources Box for more information on Press Releases).
  • Offer Discounts to Current Customers for Recommending New Customers
    Word-of-mouth advertising is not only free, it's the best kind. When your current customers give live testimonials to their friends and associates, your small business is more likely to reap the reward of new customers. Offering incentives to your customers only makes them want to share the joy of doing business with your small business even more.
  • Write Informational Articles
    Yes, more writing. Why? Because it's an excellent way to get the word out! Writing informational pieces on topics that are related to your business should be relatively easy—if you have a scrapbooking store, write something on scrapbooking; if you're a plumber, writing about plumbing—just make sure to make the piece informative, useful and timely. Again, if you're not comfortable writing the piece yourself, work with a professional, it is more affordable than you might think.
    
    Once you've written your piece, submit it to publication's that would be interested in the topic. Associations are great resources for this and most of them have newsletters that are always in need of useful content. For example, if your own a dog grooming business, sending your article for consideration to a Dog Owners Club or Association for inclusion in their newsletter is a place to start. If you're considering trying to get into a magazine, make sure to check out their article submission guidelines—this avenue will be more difficult, but you can always try – I recommend sticking with association newsletters and submitting to article submission sites online. (see the Resources Box for more information on writing and submitting articles).

  3. Offer Incentives

  • Offer Discounted rates for new customers
    For service based small businesses, offering discounted rates to first time customers is a great way to let them "try you out." Once they've experienced how valuable it is to work with you, they'll be coming back for more—and referring others!
  • Sales and free gifts with purchase
    Sales are another great way to get customers in the door for the first or second or third time; as are free gifts with purchases. New customers can be more comfortable trying out new things at discounted rates and everyone likes a gift. If their experience is positive (and it will be!) and they are communicated with (see "Keeping Customers" below); they will return and become regular customers.

  Keeping Customers

  Second, three ways to make sure those customers remain loyal:

  1. Communicate Continuously

  • I can't say this enough, communicate, communicate, communicate. If you want to become THE resource for your clients in your area, you have to be 'top of mind' for them when that area is mentioned. A great product or service and excellent customer service help, but so do reminders. This doesn't mean bombard them with junk mail and spam, but some formal marketing/communication plan is recommended. Make sure the communication adds value, remind them of an upcoming sale, provide tips or an informative article...something that they'll look at and make a mental note of at least. (see more information on Customer Communication in the resources Box).

  2. Ask for and Act on Customer Feedback

  • This is one that gets overlooked, or only half done many times. Ask your customers what they like and what your small business could do better AND then, ACT on it. I don't mean every piece of feedba
    Buying Jewelry For Your Business Part 2: Buying Sterling Silver Jewelry
    Whether you presently own a retail or web based business and are looking for an additional profit center or you are thinking of starting a business, jewelry is a “no-brainer” choice for a proven product category. The buying public, (particularly women) never tires of jewelry as the choices in color, materials, finishes and styles are endless and innovations are continual. Every generation reinvents jewelry for itself in much the same way that it reinvents music and fashion. Styles change but the basic facts remain the same. If you are a seasoned professional, please consider the following a refresher course. To the new comer, use this information as a foundation for your ongoing jewelry education.The Facts About Sterling Silver JewelrySterling silver jewelry is enjoying an unp
    nly makes them want to share the joy of doing business with your small business even more.
  • Write Informational Articles
    Yes, more writing. Why? Because it's an excellent way to get the word out! Writing informational pieces on topics that are related to your business should be relatively easy—if you have a scrapbooking store, write something on scrapbooking; if you're a plumber, writing about plumbing—just make sure to make the piece informative, useful and timely. Again, if you're not comfortable writing the piece yourself, work with a professional, it is more affordable than you might think.
    
    Once you've written your piece, submit it to publication's that would be interested in the topic. Associations are great resources for this and most of them have newsletters that are always in need of useful content. For example, if your own a dog grooming business, sending your article for consideration to a Dog Owners Club or Association for inclusion in their newsletter is a place to start. If you're considering trying to get into a magazine, make sure to check out their article submission guidelines—this avenue will be more difficult, but you can always try – I recommend sticking with association newsletters and submitting to article submission sites online. (see the Resources Box for more information on writing and submitting articles).

  3. Offer Incentives

  • Offer Discounted rates for new customers
    For service based small businesses, offering discounted rates to first time customers is a great way to let them "try you out." Once they've experienced how valuable it is to work with you, they'll be coming back for more—and referring others!
  • Sales and free gifts with purchase
    Sales are another great way to get customers in the door for the first or second or third time; as are free gifts with purchases. New customers can be more comfortable trying out new things at discounted rates and everyone likes a gift. If their experience is positive (and it will be!) and they are communicated with (see "Keeping Customers" below); they will return and become regular customers.

  Keeping Customers

  Second, three ways to make sure those customers remain loyal:

  1. Communicate Continuously

  • I can't say this enough, communicate, communicate, communicate. If you want to become THE resource for your clients in your area, you have to be 'top of mind' for them when that area is mentioned. A great product or service and excellent customer service help, but so do reminders. This doesn't mean bombard them with junk mail and spam, but some formal marketing/communication plan is recommended. Make sure the communication adds value, remind them of an upcoming sale, provide tips or an informative article...something that they'll look at and make a mental note of at least. (see more information on Customer Communication in the resources Box).

  2. Ask for and Act on Customer Feedback

  • This is one that gets overlooked, or only half done many times. Ask your customers what they like and what your small business could do better AND then, ACT on it. I don't mean every piece of feedba
    Successful Interviewing: 7 Questions You Must Always Ask
    Many small and medium sized firms suffer from high levels of staff turnover simply because they have hired the wrong people in the first place.Similarly, many business owners go through the whole recruitment process and make an offer to someone they like only to find that they have chosen to take another role.Very often this “mis - hiring” of people or “missing out" on people is down to the way in which these people have been interviewed – in particular the questions that were are asked (or rather NOT asked!).You see, if you ask the right questions you drastically increase the chances obtaining enough information to then ensure you recruit the right people.The questions you ask at interview will depend on the type of role you are look
    ir article submission guidelines—this avenue will be more difficult, but you can always try – I recommend sticking with association newsletters and submitting to article submission sites online. (see the Resources Box for more information on writing and submitting articles).

  3. Offer Incentives

  • Offer Discounted rates for new customers
    For service based small businesses, offering discounted rates to first time customers is a great way to let them "try you out." Once they've experienced how valuable it is to work with you, they'll be coming back for more—and referring others!
  • Sales and free gifts with purchase
    Sales are another great way to get customers in the door for the first or second or third time; as are free gifts with purchases. New customers can be more comfortable trying out new things at discounted rates and everyone likes a gift. If their experience is positive (and it will be!) and they are communicated with (see "Keeping Customers" below); they will return and become regular customers.

  Keeping Customers

  Second, three ways to make sure those customers remain loyal:

  1. Communicate Continuously

  • I can't say this enough, communicate, communicate, communicate. If you want to become THE resource for your clients in your area, you have to be 'top of mind' for them when that area is mentioned. A great product or service and excellent customer service help, but so do reminders. This doesn't mean bombard them with junk mail and spam, but some formal marketing/communication plan is recommended. Make sure the communication adds value, remind them of an upcoming sale, provide tips or an informative article...something that they'll look at and make a mental note of at least. (see more information on Customer Communication in the resources Box).

  2. Ask for and Act on Customer Feedback

  • This is one that gets overlooked, or only half done many times. Ask your customers what they like and what your small business could do better AND then, ACT on it. I don't mean every piece of feedba
    How to Make a Year-end Job Search Work for You!
    Most active job hunters who are in the market during the holiday season tend to put everything on hold.No one is looking to hire, they rationalize. Besides, who wants to think about changing job during such a fun and family season?This could be a serious mistake. You could be missing out on one of the most productive job search times of the year. There are several reasons why you should take advantage of the season.1. Most companies are making year-end hiring decisions based on retirements or transfers.2. Manpower needs based on company growth are reviewed as budgets are being prepared.3. Actual job descriptions have not yet been announced. But managers are very aware of what their hiring requirement s will be.4. As a result, competition for job i
    >

    Keeping Customers

    Second, three ways to make sure those customers remain loyal:

    1. Communicate Continuously

    • I can't say this enough, communicate, communicate, communicate. If you want to become THE resource for your clients in your area, you have to be 'top of mind' for them when that area is mentioned. A great product or service and excellent customer service help, but so do reminders. This doesn't mean bombard them with junk mail and spam, but some formal marketing/communication plan is recommended. Make sure the communication adds value, remind them of an upcoming sale, provide tips or an informative article...something that they'll look at and make a mental note of at least. (see more information on Customer Communication in the resources Box).

    2. Ask for and Act on Customer Feedback

    • This is one that gets overlooked, or only half done many times. Ask your customers what they like and what your small business could do better AND then, ACT on it. I don't mean every piece of feedback is worth acting on, but if you hear the same thing over and over, or if a comment rings true, DO something about it. You're in business because your customers pay for 'stuff', if you can improve the experience of them getting the 'stuff,' it'll only make them want to come back when they need more 'stuff.'

    3. Go Above and Beyond

    • Excellent Customer service is a given on this one, so why not take it a step further. Throw in something unexpected that fits your type of small business. It can be something small, but meaningful, something that the "other guys" don't do—your customers will remember and return.

    Following all or some of these steps will have your small business on the road to more new and returning customers who truly enjoy doing business with. Start your plan for getting 'em and keeping 'em now!