Competition is keen among businesses as people continue to tighten their budget belts. The government may say that there is not a recession but is seems most believe otherwise.
A company can have a fantastic website, use great SEO, know their market, and still not pull in the customers that they want. Why?
Customers have always looked for a company that seemed to have a personal approach. Does your company have that? Does even your online presence say, “We are real people and we care about you.“?
In sales and marketing over the next quarter that personal touch is going to be increasingly important. Check your company to see if it has a personal touch or is very much a modern machine.
*Do real people or computers answer the phone? While you may think this does not make a difference, it does. A human on the other end of a phone line can mean the difference between a sale and a dial tone.
*Do you have good PR? Do you do things that gets your name in the news as being one of the good guys? For example, online information website LovetoKnow is giving money based on a percentage of their total page hits to areas that were devastated by the Midwestern flooding. It is a great gesture on their part. Shows people that they care. And when someone needs information they are going to remember the “good guys” and head for their site.
*Do you give your customers something for nothing once in awhile? Appreciation goes a long way.
*Do you treat your employees well? If they are happy it is a good reflection on your company. Using good motivational techniques is important.
*Check your customer service policies. Are they fair? Are they customer oriented?
*Finally, call your company yourself or have someone you know call them and see how it feels to be on the other end of the phone.
Using good motivational skills, giving corporate gifts, and giving back to the community are all ways that you can use your business image to your advantage.
For an example, a tote bag seems a simple thing. Yet, reusable grocery bags are a big item. By giving customers canvas tote bags you can indicate your commitment to the environment without saying a word. You give them something nice to carry their groceries, library books, or lunch in and build a sense of loyalty and appreciation.
Always keep in mind that your customer makes your business successful and be sure that you have both a great online presence and “real people” mentality.
