Getting The Most From Your Existing Customers
Business on the Net is a fast paced proposition. Net
entrepreneurs are looking for the edge that will take their
business to the next level. Who doesn't want more business,
right? Here's a simple yet POWERFUL idea for increasing your
income.
As business people we look at many propositions that will help
us take that next, much desired growth step. We hear that we
must "brand" ourselves and be easy to do business with. The list
of ideas goes on and on.
THE GOLD MINE IN YOUR BACKYARD
Many people overlook how hard (and expensive) it is to create a
new customer. Yet, we focus most of our time and energy in just
this area, thinking that if we just could get more customers we
would achieve our goals. But what about getting more OUT OF your
customers?
If you have been around for a while you have a customer list.
That list is GOLD. Please understand that I am NOT talking about
renting out your customer list of email addresses. What I AM
talking about it approaching those customers, who know you and
trust you already, with a totally new and different product.
Why should we limit ourselves to selling only one type of
product or service when by adding an additional item to our
current offerings we can TAKE ADVANTAGE of the relationship that
exists now? Will your customers resent this move? Not if you do
it with some style.
HOW TO DO IT
One of the keys is to choose a product or service that
COMPLIMENTS what you already do. Whatever your product or
service is, think through what your customer is likely to buy
based upon purchasing your product.
If you sell shoes, someone is going to sell them socks and it
might as well be you. Not only will you increase your revenue
but you will encounter less sales resistance and show your
customers that you are thinking of them.
Another method is to choose a product or service that CONTRASTS
what you sell now. If you normally sell a business related
product come back at them with a personal product. Why should
they NOT buy it from you? You have proven yourself as honest and
dependable; now cash in on that hard work.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK
One final word. Your customers decided to trust you when they
bought what you sell. Capitalize on those good feelings and ask
them for their feedback on what you have in mind. This is by far
the most powerful, yet virtually free, market research available
in the land. Use it wisely and your EXISTING CUSTOMERS will tell
you both what they want to buy and when they want to buy it.
All you have to do then is step up, fill the need, and go to the
bank.
_______ (c) 2002-2003 by Dan J. Brown, This article may be
reprinted freely, provided the author byline and url remains
intact.