What's my name?

OK, it's a small thing to some people however it's a big deal to me! I go to local bank and usually use the drive through. Well about a month after I have been going there they said hi to me, more importantly they said Hello Andrew. Wow they know my name! Seriously they know my name. I realize that is the way banks used to be, but it's definitely different to get a hello with my name! I can go to a different branch in another part of town, but i purposely go to the bank that remember my name now.
Just think if you could remember the names of all your clients, or at least the top spenders, and say hi to them by name. It makes a difference to me and i am sure it would make a difference to your customers.

Your Plan: Remember the name of one of your current customers. Oh yeah, call them by their first name, much more personal. And how about a buisness owner telling me " I realize you have a lot of options out there, and sometimes cheaper options, I just want to let you know we appreciate your buisness" May sound cheesy, but it's honest and I gaurantee you will remember it and maybe give them the benefit of the doubt when competing on price!

No Update is an update

So lets say I am applying for a mortgage. As you know it's not always a great process, however there are times where you are waiting for numbers to come back in or something very important.

Well, it gets close to the end of the day and you have not heard back from anyone, so you call to find out what is going on. They tell you well nothing has happened.

This is super important to me, but just another transaction to them. How easy and nice would it have been for them to call me back and simply say "There is no update and we will keep you posted". Wow, 4 seconds, but a world of difference to me, the customer.

Your Job: If you are in the service or sales buisness and you are working with someone on a multi-day project, give them daily updates, yes even if there is no update. Remember this is probably more important to the other person. Plus it gives you another point of contact with your customer. Also, please don't email, call them like a real person, don't send them an email like a robot!

One call a day will make the difference!

When is the last time you got a thank you call from someone you did business with?
If you have recently I am sure you remember it, because it was ABNORMAL and pleasant.

Make this a new goal for your business: Make one, yes just one follow up call or thank you call to a customer. Here is what the goal of the call should be: First thank them for the business and tell them you appreciate it. Secondly, don't sell them anything, ask them what they liked about the experience and what they would do differently if they owned the business. It's a great way to find out what you can improve!

Everyone says Word of Mouth is the best form of advertising, this is a great way to create your own Word of Mouth Advertising. And what does it cost you? Don't be lazy, just do it daily, and it will work!
Think about it, after one year, you have over 300 people you contacted! More than likely they will have a better opinion of your business. Plus it's another point of contact with them, and you just created your own POSITIVE WORD OF MOUTH!