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Business News: Strategies for Success
Successful businesswomen stay focused on their customers. Never losing your perspective is, perhaps, the most critical tool in the ongoing battle of customer acquisition and retention. By taking a look at your overall sales and comparing them against the statistics of businesses that enjoy a higher standing, you’ll probably see that there are specific steps in place to satisfy customers. Using those same strategies as a guideline, you, too, can achieve the success of those who are ranked among leading women owned businesses.
An effective customer service plan is the most significant piece of the puzzle for ensuring the success of your woman owned business. According to statistics, nearly 70% of a company’s customer base will take their business elsewhere if they’re made to feel unappreciated in the scheme of things. Overlooking the importance of the customer is a practice in foolishness, since the fate of your business is contingent upon sales in order to thrive. Put quite simply, without customers, you have no business.
In order to improve your customer relations skills, you’ll need to take a good look at what policies you have in place. Customers always appreciate it when we go above and beyond what’s necessary to make them happy, but they also appreciate little things, such as common courtesy. If you’ve ever dealt with a customer service representative on the phone and have been treated in a curt, unfriendly manner, chances are that you’ve walked away from that transaction feeling less than pleased. In fact, you probably stopped doing business with that company. Make sure that your customers are spoken to in a friendly, helpful manner and that the common courtesies of “please” and “thank you” are offered.
As the business owner, it’s your job to set the standard for your staff. If you tend to be impatient, curt and unapproachable, those who work for you will probably adopt that same attitude. The result is unhappy customers and less business for you. Patience, friendliness and an open door policy which greets employees with a smile will tend to make employees feel more appreciated and, in turn, will translate to the customer.
How much success do you think a company enjoys when they make the time and effort to send an existing customer a note, a “thank you” card – or even a birthday card? Customers who are given the “kid glove” treatment are far more inclined to give you repeat business. It isn’t enough to acquire new customers; you must also strive to nurture relationships with existing clients. Not only will it provide a solid client base, but the potential for acquiring new customers is increased through word-of-mouth referrals. This is particularly true for female clients, who are more relationship based than their male counterparts.
Consumers are always looking for the little extras. Whether it’s a money-saving coupon, small gift or discount on merchandise, they feel that they’re ahead of the game when a company offers incentives such as these for their patronage. One of the best ways to gain customers, in fact, is to launch an incentive program. It can ultimately lead to the realization of huge profits and entice customers to make a purchase and return as a repeat customer. Just be sure to give them something of value – if a customer feels that the item is of minimal value, then they may be more insulted than they are pleased. Word of mouth advertising can be another benefit of this type of campaign, as well.
Whenever any of us provides something for another – whether it’s an unselfish act, gift or simply our patronage of a particular merchant – we appreciate a simple “thank you” for our efforts. This goes beyond common courtesy, and reflects an attitude of appreciation as well as a sense of the customer’s value. Some companies go to the extent of sending out a card of thanks to those who have made a purchase. Others enclose a coupon or some other small return gift. Since this is a great way to encourage further growth for your woman owned business, it’s in your best interests to consider implementing such a plan.
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong testimonial. These are indicators to potential customers that your business is sound, and that their experience with you has been positive. In a world where so many unscrupulous business entities are caught perpetrating one scam or other, it’s important for consumers to feel safe within a business transaction environment. If you have an online business, an area should be set aside on your main web page which lists a variety of testimonials from legitimate customers. For those who are of the brick and mortar variety, these can be printed and posted in an area that will allow the public to view them. These can be included in mailings, e-mails, advertising and any other communication that relates to your business. Often, these will make the difference between a sales increase and an earnings plateau for your woman owned business.
Every now and then, make it a practice to show your appreciation for your customers’ loyalty. This can be done by implementing some type of reward program, which will offer added incentive to remain active within your client base. Whether it’s a special ranking within your list of customers – such as giving them “Gold Status” – or simply a coupon for a bit of free merchandise when they make their next purchase, customers will appreciate the special treatment, and you’ll generate more business. Some of the rewards that you might consider passing on to your customers include air travel points or a cash-back program. This is one of the methods of cementing a relationship with your customers and can carry significant long-term benefits for women owned businesses.
Just remember that everyone wants to be appreciated and shown that they have value, particularly female customers. By following these basic guidelines, you’ll be able to form solid customer relationships and ensure repeat business throughout the years. For assistance with your woman owned business and/or advertising strategies, contact DivaDesignWorld of Portland, Oregon. Fully staffed, with state-of-the-art technology at their disposal, they’ll do whatever it takes to give your company that boost that it needs in order to realize a greater sales potential.
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About the Author: Monique Danielle owns Portland Marketing Agency, DivaDesignWorld.com, a full service firm that offers web development, graphic design, consulting, and a wide variety of creative services. She is also the founder of divadirectories.com,a free online resource designed to promote the growth and development of women owned businesses throughout Oregon, Washington, and the Northwest.
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