What do you do with those networking business cards?

Let’s face it, you can have the best darn product or service in the world, but if you don’t have customers, are you in business? Networking is one way to get your name out there to let others know what you do. We’ve talked a bit about how to network over the past few weeks, but even though you may have connected with 1000 people at events, there comes a time when you must take this a step further.

You now have to get those 1000 people to buy what it is you’re selling. They have to want it, take the effort to track you down and let you know they want it, and be willing to give you their hard earned cash for it. Let’s say that you’ve even gotten them to that level – once. What do you do to bring them back again?

These days you have to have more than just a satisfied customer to get the job done. You need to have superior service and LOYAL customers. How do you do this? Have you ever heard of customer service? 

So many businesses today think that excellent customer service isn’t necessary. But, I’m here to tell you, that that’s the way you’re going to create these loyal fans. Think for a minute about a bad experience you might have had. It didn’t make you feel like you wanted to go right out and give a testimonial for the company, did it? You probably felt like you never wanted to do business with that company again, right?

What if you walked into a business or called them on the phone and they greeted you with a smile? (Yes, even on the phone you can tell when someone is smiling). Then then asked you something like, how is your day going? And what may I help you with? If they’ve been a customer before something like, Oh yes, Mr. X. It’s really good to have you back again. How did (whatever) work out for you last time? If  they are physically in your establishment, what would it mean if you had free coffee (or tea), perhaps music playing, flowers at the cash register? Just something different meant for them to feel comfortable, and like you cared about THEM. 

The key is to treat them like you would like to be treated. Out of 100 people you might find two or three that will tell others about your GOOD service, but guaranteed you’ll find at least 10 that will let all of their friends know if the service was poor. I want people to know me as the business advocate that cares. How do you want to be known?