So many things have changed with the economy over the last year.  Businesses are facing questions now that probably wouldn’t have bothered this at this time last year.  Consumers – including your customers – are more careful than ever with their dollars and businesses are feeling that pinch.  So how do you ensure that, when the time comes, those precious consumer dollars are spent with you and not with a competitor?  The bigger question that we’re asking is:

“How do I keep my customers coming through the door?“

Our clients are asking us this question on a regular basis these days.  It’s a worry that is affecting a really large percentage of businesses, regardless of their size.  Unfortunately, it’s a justified fear too.  Too many businesses have closed because they just couldn’t keep traffic coming through the doors.  But you already have a customer base, otherwise it’s unlikely that you would still be open.  Those current customers are the key to riding out these challenging times!

So now, let’s think about this from a different perspective.

What are you doing for your customers?

That may seem like a straight-forward question, but it’s much more complex than you would think.  If you’ve ever had a sales course, you know that you are “solving their problem” whatever that problem may be as it applies to your business.  If you are a gym, you are solving their health or fitness problem, if you are home decor business you are solving their problem with creating a certain home presentation.  There are “problems” of all types and businesses of all types that provide solutions to those “problems”.

Easy enough.  But like as not, there are other businesses in your area that are trying to solve the same problems that YOU are trying to solve.  So, why is that customer going to spend that dollar in YOUR store instead of one of those other stores?

Ready for the secret?

The secret to instant customer retention is as simple as… Good Customer Service!

Did you guess the answer?  Most business owners don’t.  How is it that something that is so simple, so easy, and is ABSOLUTELY FREE is overlooked by most businesses these days?

One of the easiest ways to make your customer service better is by simply being nice!

This isn’t rocket science folks.  Unfortunately, common courtesy seems to have gone the way of the Dodo.  People are more worried about themselves and their personal daily struggles – and yes, life is difficult.  But THIS is really easy… it’s as easy as saying a ‘Hello’ to someone.

Do you and/or your employees say ‘Hello’ to each and every one of your customers?

Businesses no longer treat their customers like the golden geese that they are.  Those customers that are being ignored are the ones that can keep your business profitable when the businesses are folding up their tents and going home… permanently!

Your new customer appreciation program should start NOW.  Greet every person that comes into your business, and greet them nicely.  Have all of your employees do the same.  It doesn’t matter if you are having a bad day, they might be too.  And think of the impact that such a simple gesture could have.  If you treat someone nicely when they are not expecting it (i.e. when they’re having a bad day), you will most definitely have a powerful, positive impact on them.

“But my customers ask stupid questions”.  So?  You should answer every single stupid question that they can throw at you and answer it NICELY. Answer them like that is the only time that you have ever heard that question.  Is it a pain in your (or your employees’) back-side?  Of course it is.  But you are in business and this is how you show your customers that you appreciate them bringing their dollars to you.

And don’t underestimate the impact that this type of attitude can have.  Think of your own recent experiences as a consumer.  Were the employees at those businesses nice to you, helpful to you, patient with you?  Probably not, or maybe partially.

Create a pleasant, courteous experience for your customers and they will remember it, they will appreciate it, AND they will TALK about it to their friends and family.  That customer will keep coming back to you and you will be building referral business through FREE word-of-mouth marketing!!

Easy.  Simple.  FREE!