While most businesses are spending enormous amounts in an effort to attract new customers, a select few use a strategy that has virtually eliminated the need for marketing. Building a business on referrals isn't costly or time-consuming once you know the secret.
Even though it's one of the most powerful ways to build your business, most business owners don't send out personal cards because they don't know when it's appropriate, what to say, or they feel it doesn't apply to them because their business is DIFFERENT.
It doesn't matter if you're a real estate agent, coach, hairdresser, insurance agent, restaurateur, sales rep or dog walker, your business depends on relationships and if your clients and customers aren't staying with you for the long haul and bringing their friends, there's a flaw in the system.
A Technical Assistance Research Project conducted in Washington, D.C. a couple of years ago revealed the following reasons why customers leave a business:
1% - Death
3% - Move Away
5% - Buy from a friend
9% - Are sold by a competitor
14% - Product price
68% - Perceived indifference
You can add together the first five percentages listed, double them and they still won't amount to the number of clients and customers you lose because they don't have a sense of relationship with you.
In order to create a bond, clients need individual attention, acknowledgement and a feeling that they are genuinely appreciated.
And the simple greeting card has the power to make that happen.
Following are ten creative scripts you can use in a card to strengthen your client and prospect relationships. You will be astounded by the impact this individual attention has on the number of referrals you attract, the loyalty of your existing clients, and the reduction in complaints, returns, and advertising expenses.
After a Networking Event: It was a pleasure meeting you at XYZ last evening. Thank you for sharing your time and telling me about your company's vision for the future. I have been fortunate to work with outstanding individuals like yourself and would consider it an honor to help you reach your vision. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call.
After a Customer Makes a Purchase: Thank you! It was a pleasure to serve you and I would like to acknowledge you for your superb taste in . My goal is to provide you with the best customer service you have ever experienced so you will return and confidently refer your friends. Please contact the customer service number below if you require assistance and you will be served with the utmost care.
After a Prospect Says No - Thank you for giving us the opportunity to provide a proposal. Although we were not selected to be your service provider at this time, we are continuously adding to our array of services and may be able to serve you in the future. Please contact us as you encounter future needs and we will be happy to help you find an appropriate solution.
After a Telephone Conversation - Thank you for your time today. It was a pleasure to speak with you and learn more about your business needs. In respect for your busy schedule, I will contact you only once our evaluation is complete. It should take no more than two weeks. I look forward to the possibility of a mutually beneficial business relationship with you.
After a Group Presentation - Thank you for giving me the time today to teach your staff how they can improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. Simple improvements have a far reaching effect and it would be my pleasure to introduce your satellite offices to a tailored approach that enables them to create similar results. If you would be kind enough to refer your subsidiary managers my way, I'd be happy to provide them with the same personal attention I shared with your group.
After Receiving A Referral - Thank you for your kind referral. It's an honor to serve your friends and family and you can rest assured they will receive the highest level of attention and service possible.
After an Interview - It was a pleasure to meet you today. Thank you for your time. I delivered a portfolio to your assistant shortly afterward so you may explore the range of services offered in greater detail. If I can serve you in anyway, please do not hesitate to call.
Birthdays - Happy Birthday ! It's clients (patients/customers) like you who make going to work every day a reason to celebrate. Have a super day today and every day! I appreciate you and wish you the very best.
Anniversaries - Happy 1st Anniversary in your new home (truck/boat/business). I trust you've had a wonderful year and wish you many more ahead. If I can do anything to help you add to your experience, please let me know. I'm only a phone call away.
Thanksgiving - As this time of year rolls around, I reflect on all of the wonderful events and people in my life and think of you. Thank you for your business over the past year. It is always a pleasure to serve you and I look forward to many more years of showing my gratitude by giving you the best service possible.
Haven't Heard - It's been a little while since your last visit and I'm concerned. If you have simply forgot, please contact my office today so we can ensure you continue to receive your treatment. If there is an alternate reason why you have not returned, please contact me at the private number below so I may personally assist you.
Find reasons to send your clients and prospects cards. A few cards a day should take less than ten minutes.
If you've heard of a new addition to a family, send a congrats card. In the event of a loss, express your deepest sympathy. If a customer mentions his 25th wedding anniversary is in two weeks, send a Happy Anniversary card.
These simple acts of kindness go a long way in building relationships that last a lifetime.
Replacing lost customers is expensive and time consuming. Keeping them is inexpensive and highly rewarding not only in terms of your bottom line, but in the quality of relationships you create.
2007 © Laurie Hayes - The HBB Source
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Laurie Hayes, founder of The HBB Source, and creator of The Complete 12-Step Guide To Starting A Home-Based Business, helps entrepreneurs build loyal client relationships and attract more quality referrals. Get her free ezine packed with helpful resources at http://www.thehbbsource.com and learn how to easily build your business with greeting cards at http://www.hbbsourcecards.com
Monday, October 29, 2007
Get Google Ads For FREE No BS
Ads on Google help businesses of all sizes to tap into the Google advertising network with Adwords. This advertising service is the under-girding of Google and a major source of their income. By catering to the needs of companies of every size and budget, they have targeted an extremely wide market.
Keywords and Distribution When you use Adwords, you get to choose your keywords or phrases and put your own ad together. When people do a web search for your keywords, your ad may come up with the results of their search. You can also target language and location. You may choose local, national, or international distribution. There is even an option that allows you to put your ad on other search engines in the search network besides Google.com.
Pay Per Click You have the option of paying per click so that you only pay for actual web traffic. Keywords can be selected at various levels of pricing based on their popularity. This allows small business to access their niche keywords at a price they can afford. It is also a good way for any business, big or small, to be sure that they will only pay for what they get. If no one clicks to your site, you pay nothing.
Change is a Good Thing You can change your ads until you are happy with them. If you are not getting the results you want, you can modify your account until it is a good fit for your business. This level of flexibility is comforting when launching a new online advertising campaign. You can adjust your service to meet the needs and budget of your company
One Size Does Not Fit All Regardless of the size of your business, you can display your ads on Google and access a large source of exposure. How many advertising genres allow a huge company and a 'ma and pa' store to connect with their clientele in one place? This flexible environment does not provide a 'one size fits all' scheme.
Search Engine Marketing Help Many consultation agencies have begun offering the management of Adwords accounts as a paid service. There are professionals available who have certification from Google because they have passed their qualification process. If you need some help, but do not want to hire an agency, Google has an account management software system available. The software is Adwords Editor. Account management for Adwords can be complicated and many people find it beneficial to reach out for help. You have to determine the price of your own time and analyze the economic impact of taking on the cost of software or management services compared with the down time you would require to manage the system yourself.
You Can't Please Everyone There has been a great deal of criticism lately regarding the misuse of Adwords. There have been legal battles regarding trademarks and fraud. By allowing people to use trademarks of their competitors to drive traffic to their sites, Google opened itself up for several law suits.
Adwords has brought democracy to advertising by allowing large and small businesses to tailor their Google search related advertising to accommodate their budget and needs while accessing a huge network. This landmark system has allowed businesses to reach out to their customers without breaking the bank.
Internet Marketing Expert Stefan James
http://1098363.freebizoffer.com or http://www.free25000hits.com
Google Adwords have proven to be a good choice for business of all sizes and incomes. Learn more about how they work and use the free click formula at Google Snatch.
Keywords and Distribution When you use Adwords, you get to choose your keywords or phrases and put your own ad together. When people do a web search for your keywords, your ad may come up with the results of their search. You can also target language and location. You may choose local, national, or international distribution. There is even an option that allows you to put your ad on other search engines in the search network besides Google.com.
Pay Per Click You have the option of paying per click so that you only pay for actual web traffic. Keywords can be selected at various levels of pricing based on their popularity. This allows small business to access their niche keywords at a price they can afford. It is also a good way for any business, big or small, to be sure that they will only pay for what they get. If no one clicks to your site, you pay nothing.
Change is a Good Thing You can change your ads until you are happy with them. If you are not getting the results you want, you can modify your account until it is a good fit for your business. This level of flexibility is comforting when launching a new online advertising campaign. You can adjust your service to meet the needs and budget of your company
One Size Does Not Fit All Regardless of the size of your business, you can display your ads on Google and access a large source of exposure. How many advertising genres allow a huge company and a 'ma and pa' store to connect with their clientele in one place? This flexible environment does not provide a 'one size fits all' scheme.
Search Engine Marketing Help Many consultation agencies have begun offering the management of Adwords accounts as a paid service. There are professionals available who have certification from Google because they have passed their qualification process. If you need some help, but do not want to hire an agency, Google has an account management software system available. The software is Adwords Editor. Account management for Adwords can be complicated and many people find it beneficial to reach out for help. You have to determine the price of your own time and analyze the economic impact of taking on the cost of software or management services compared with the down time you would require to manage the system yourself.
You Can't Please Everyone There has been a great deal of criticism lately regarding the misuse of Adwords. There have been legal battles regarding trademarks and fraud. By allowing people to use trademarks of their competitors to drive traffic to their sites, Google opened itself up for several law suits.
Adwords has brought democracy to advertising by allowing large and small businesses to tailor their Google search related advertising to accommodate their budget and needs while accessing a huge network. This landmark system has allowed businesses to reach out to their customers without breaking the bank.
Internet Marketing Expert Stefan James
http://1098363.freebizoffer.com or http://www.free25000hits.com
Google Adwords have proven to be a good choice for business of all sizes and incomes. Learn more about how they work and use the free click formula at Google Snatch.
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