If you are a small business, there is a good chance that you are desperate for something that will distinguish you from your larger competitors. The truth is, there are many things that a smaller business can do that a larger business cannot. If you know what to do, you’ll find that you’ll have customer loyalty as well as a great talent for being recommended to your customer’s friends and family. If you’re looking for a few great tips to get your services on top, take a look below!
1.See your customers as individuals Just like you and your company, your customers are individuals, and for a small business, there is absolutely no profit in treating them as part of a massive herd. Chances are, you don’t even have a massive herd of customers yet! Greet your customers by name and make sure that they know how important they are to you. Remember their preferences; keep notes if necessary. Remember that the more you remember them, the more they’ll remember you!
2.Follow up. Customers are allowed to drop the ball, but as the business person in question, you are not allowed to! If they said that they’d call but didn’t, give them a ring if you have their number. Even sending a gentle e-mail reminder will be a great deal better than simply letting a deal fall away. Chances are, they are simply busy and forgot, but it is in your best interests to remind them that you and your services exist.
3.Discounts You don’t need to get drastic with discounts and get to the point where you cut into your bottom line, yet you should figure out what is in demand among your customers and find a way to get it to them at a favorable price. The items you sell the most of are your best bets for this; you will likely make up the difference in volume, and your customers will appreciate and remember you for it. Consider keeping a preferred customer list for the purpose of discounts.
4.Admit your mistakes One thing that many larger companies refuse to do is admit when they have been wrong or have made a mistake. If you have been wrong or made a mistake, own up to it at once, even if the customer doesn’t know it yet. If he or she finds out about it on their own, you’ll find that it looks much worse; it’ll look like you’re trying to hide something, and even if you have not been, it’ll cement a picture in their mind of you as being dishonest and untrustworthy.
5.Don’t be afraid to answer the phone As a business owner, it creates confidence in your customers by being available to take their calls rather than pass it off to an employee. It shows them that they are valued enough to be put right through to the person in charge. If they have concerns, address them and do whatever possible to remedy the situation. This will create you great word of mouth recommendations and build customer loyalty.
Did you know? FACT: 68% of people will quit doing business with companies that have poor customer service. Find out how to give great customer service - get effective customer service tips at http://hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Give-Great-Customer-Service
- Kale McClelland
Highlights 
November 25th, 2008 