2. Ask for and Act on Customer Feedback

• This is one that gets overlooked, or only half done many times. Ask your customers what they like and what your small business could do better AND then, ACT on it. I don't mean every piece of feedback is worth acting on, but if you hear the same thing over and over, or if a comment rings true, DO something about it. You're in business because your customers pay for 'stuff', if you can improve the experience of them getting the 'stuff,' it'll only make them want to come back when they need more 'stuff.'

3. Go Above and Beyond

• Excellent Customer service is a given on this one, so why not take it a step further. Throw in something unexpected that fits your type of small business. It can be something small, but meaningful, something that the "other gu
  In a Perfect World Everyone would be Employed
  In the United States of America the unemployment rate is down around 4.7% and by historical records that is one of the lowest unemployment rates ever in the history of our nation. Of course even with such low unemployment rates some folks still are complaining. In a perfect world everyone would be employed, but this is not a perfect world and many people are not perfect and don't want to work.In fact many people would rather sit home and do nothing and work just enough to get by or not work at all if that is possible. Indeed some people collect checks from the government and they don't work at all, instead they are paid to do nothing and sit around. This sure does not help our civilization very much or the productivity of our nation, but this is not a perfect world.In the
  Getting Customers

  First, three great ways to get customers to come to you:

  1. Get Visible

  • Join a Local Business Association
    Many communities and/or neighborhoods have business associations. Investigate to see if your area has one and if it does, join it. Get your face and your small business known in the community and become one of those people and businesses everyone knows—remember people prefer to do business with those they know and trust.
  • Volunteer at and/or Sponsor Community Based Events
    Another way to get your face and small business' name out there is by volunteering and/or sponsoring community based events. Something as small as donating products or services to a local PTA event gets your business in front of hundreds of parents...parents who will know that you support their kids and the community. All communities have opportunities for your small business to give back, and since you reap what you sow, get busy sowing!
  • Donate Your Products or Services
    Get involved with groups where you can donate your products and or services to help others. Whether it be a group of entrepreneurs just starting out, or as a resource for those in the community that are in need. Not only is providing others a step-up a rewarding experience, but it also provides your small business with great PR material

  2. Get the Word Out

  • Write and send out press releases
    Using press releases is an excellent way to establish your small business in its area of expertise and it's free publicity. Press Releases are easy to write, but if you're not comfortable writing them, hiring a professional is also an affordable option. (see the Resources Box for more information on Press Releases).
  • Offer Discounts to Current Customers for Recommending New Customers
    Word-of-mouth advertising is not only free, it's the best kind. When your current customers give live testimonials to their friends and associates, your small business is more likely to reap the reward of new customers. Offering incentives to your customers only makes them want to share the joy of doing business with your small business even more.
  • Write Informational Articles
    Yes, more writing. Why? Because it's an excellent way to get the word out! Writing informational pieces on topics that are related to your business should be relatively easy—if you have a scrapbooking store, write something on scrapbooking; if you're a plumber, writing about plumbing—just make sure to make the piece informative, useful and timely. Again, if you're not comfortable writing the piece yourself, work with a professional, it is more affordable than you might think.
    
    Once you've written your piece, submit it to publication's that would be interested in the topic. Associations are great resources for this and most of them have newsletters that are always in need of useful content. For example, if your own a dog grooming business, sending your article for consideration to a Dog Owners Club or Association for inclusion in their newsletter is a place to start. If you're considering trying to get into a magazine, make sure to check out their article submission guidelines—this avenue will be more difficult, but you can always try – I recommend sticking with association newsletters and submitting to article submission sites online. (see the Resources Box for more information on writing and submitting articles).

  3. Offer Incentives

  • Offer Discounted rates for new customers
    For service based small businesses, offering discounted rates to first time customers is a great way to let them "try you out." Once they've experienced how valuable it is to work with you, they'll be coming back for more—and referring others!
  • Sales and free gifts with purchase
    Sales are another great way to get customers in the door for the first or second or third time; as are free gifts with purchases. New customers can be more comfortable trying out new things at discounted rates and everyone likes a gift. If their experience is positive (and it will be!) and they are communicated with (see "Keeping Customers" below); they will return and become regular customers.

  Keeping Customers

  Second, three ways to make sure those customers remain loyal:

  1. Communicate Continuously

  • I can't say this enough, communicate, communicate, communicate. If you want to become THE resource for your clients in your area, you have to be 'top of mind' for them when that area is mentioned. A great product or service and excellent customer service help, but so do reminders. This doesn't mean bombard them with junk mail and spam, but some formal marketing/communication plan is recommended. Make sure the communication adds value, remind them of an upcoming sale, provide tips or an informative article...something that they'll look at and make a mental note of at least. (see more information on Customer Communication in the resources Box).

  2. Ask for and Act on Customer Feedback

  • This is one that gets overlooked, or only half done many times. Ask your customers what they like and what your small business could do better AND then, ACT on it. I don't mean every piece of feedback is worth acting on, but if you hear the same thing over and over, or if a comment rings true, DO something about it. You're in business because your customers pay for 'stuff', if you can improve the experience of them getting the 'stuff,' it'll only make them want to come back when they need more 'stuff.'

  3. Go Above and Beyond

  • Excellent Customer service is a given on this one, so why not take it a step further. Throw in something unexpected that fits your type of small business. It can be something small, but meaningful, something that the "other gu
    Customer Recovery First, System Recovery Second!
    I was staying at a dive resort in Papua New Guinea recently. It was quite pleasant, with friendly staff, comfortable accommodation and good food.I enjoyed a night dive with hungry starfish, scurrying crabs and parrot fish asleep amidst the coral. After the dive, however, I realized someone had slipped into my cabin and scurried off with a pair of pants and a matching canvas belt.I did not sleep well and next morning reported the loss to the resort manager. ‘Oh dear, we do have that problem,’ she said. ‘Are you sure you locked your door?’ I assured her that I had, to which she replied, ‘I guess we need to change the lock on that cabin.’And that was it. From my point of view, someone had entered my room and helped themselves to my clothing. From her point of view, ‘We nee
    t starting out, or as a resource for those in the community that are in need. Not only is providing others a step-up a rewarding experience, but it also provides your small business with great PR material

  2. Get the Word Out

  • Write and send out press releases
    Using press releases is an excellent way to establish your small business in its area of expertise and it's free publicity. Press Releases are easy to write, but if you're not comfortable writing them, hiring a professional is also an affordable option. (see the Resources Box for more information on Press Releases).
  • Offer Discounts to Current Customers for Recommending New Customers
    Word-of-mouth advertising is not only free, it's the best kind. When your current customers give live testimonials to their friends and associates, your small business is more likely to reap the reward of new customers. Offering incentives to your customers only makes them want to share the joy of doing business with your small business even more.
  • Write Informational Articles
    Yes, more writing. Why? Because it's an excellent way to get the word out! Writing informational pieces on topics that are related to your business should be relatively easy—if you have a scrapbooking store, write something on scrapbooking; if you're a plumber, writing about plumbing—just make sure to make the piece informative, useful and timely. Again, if you're not comfortable writing the piece yourself, work with a professional, it is more affordable than you might think.
    
    Once you've written your piece, submit it to publication's that would be interested in the topic. Associations are great resources for this and most of them have newsletters that are always in need of useful content. For example, if your own a dog grooming business, sending your article for consideration to a Dog Owners Club or Association for inclusion in their newsletter is a place to start. If you're considering trying to get into a magazine, make sure to check out their article submission guidelines—this avenue will be more difficult, but you can always try – I recommend sticking with association newsletters and submitting to article submission sites online. (see the Resources Box for more information on writing and submitting articles).

  3. Offer Incentives

  • Offer Discounted rates for new customers
    For service based small businesses, offering discounted rates to first time customers is a great way to let them "try you out." Once they've experienced how valuable it is to work with you, they'll be coming back for more—and referring others!
  • Sales and free gifts with purchase
    Sales are another great way to get customers in the door for the first or second or third time; as are free gifts with purchases. New customers can be more comfortable trying out new things at discounted rates and everyone likes a gift. If their experience is positive (and it will be!) and they are communicated with (see "Keeping Customers" below); they will return and become regular customers.

  Keeping Customers

  Second, three ways to make sure those customers remain loyal:

  1. Communicate Continuously

  • I can't say this enough, communicate, communicate, communicate. If you want to become THE resource for your clients in your area, you have to be 'top of mind' for them when that area is mentioned. A great product or service and excellent customer service help, but so do reminders. This doesn't mean bombard them with junk mail and spam, but some formal marketing/communication plan is recommended. Make sure the communication adds value, remind them of an upcoming sale, provide tips or an informative article...something that they'll look at and make a mental note of at least. (see more information on Customer Communication in the resources Box).

  2. Ask for and Act on Customer Feedback

  • This is one that gets overlooked, or only half done many times. Ask your customers what they like and what your small business could do better AND then, ACT on it. I don't mean every piece of feedback is worth acting on, but if you hear the same thing over and over, or if a comment rings true, DO something about it. You're in business because your customers pay for 'stuff', if you can improve the experience of them getting the 'stuff,' it'll only make them want to come back when they need more 'stuff.'

  3. Go Above and Beyond

  • Excellent Customer service is a given on this one, so why not take it a step further. Throw in something unexpected that fits your type of small business. It can be something small, but meaningful, something that the "other gu
    Tips on Writing a Good Parntership Agreement
    When going into business and taking on a partner, it is a good idea to have a contract/agreement to determine the share of the company you each own. It also allows you to show and agree on what each of you will contribute, as well as protecting both of your interests when working together.You might be wondering now, how to or what makes a good contract? Well it is really simple. First thing to do is to be clear on every aspect of the business. Something’s you may want to make clear are:1. How much each of you will invest. - This will show what both of you are contributing to the company as well as it will help determine who own what % of the business.2. When and if payback happens. - Pay back is meaning paying back the initial investment by a partner. Payment should onl
    ces on topics that are related to your business should be relatively easy—if you have a scrapbooking store, write something on scrapbooking; if you're a plumber, writing about plumbing—just make sure to make the piece informative, useful and timely. Again, if you're not comfortable writing the piece yourself, work with a professional, it is more affordable than you might think.
    
    Once you've written your piece, submit it to publication's that would be interested in the topic. Associations are great resources for this and most of them have newsletters that are always in need of useful content. For example, if your own a dog grooming business, sending your article for consideration to a Dog Owners Club or Association for inclusion in their newsletter is a place to start. If you're considering trying to get into a magazine, make sure to check out their article submission guidelines—this avenue will be more difficult, but you can always try – I recommend sticking with association newsletters and submitting to article submission sites online. (see the Resources Box for more information on writing and submitting articles).

  3. Offer Incentives

  • Offer Discounted rates for new customers
    For service based small businesses, offering discounted rates to first time customers is a great way to let them "try you out." Once they've experienced how valuable it is to work with you, they'll be coming back for more—and referring others!
  • Sales and free gifts with purchase
    Sales are another great way to get customers in the door for the first or second or third time; as are free gifts with purchases. New customers can be more comfortable trying out new things at discounted rates and everyone likes a gift. If their experience is positive (and it will be!) and they are communicated with (see "Keeping Customers" below); they will return and become regular customers.

  Keeping Customers

  Second, three ways to make sure those customers remain loyal:

  1. Communicate Continuously

  • I can't say this enough, communicate, communicate, communicate. If you want to become THE resource for your clients in your area, you have to be 'top of mind' for them when that area is mentioned. A great product or service and excellent customer service help, but so do reminders. This doesn't mean bombard them with junk mail and spam, but some formal marketing/communication plan is recommended. Make sure the communication adds value, remind them of an upcoming sale, provide tips or an informative article...something that they'll look at and make a mental note of at least. (see more information on Customer Communication in the resources Box).

  2. Ask for and Act on Customer Feedback

  • This is one that gets overlooked, or only half done many times. Ask your customers what they like and what your small business could do better AND then, ACT on it. I don't mean every piece of feedback is worth acting on, but if you hear the same thing over and over, or if a comment rings true, DO something about it. You're in business because your customers pay for 'stuff', if you can improve the experience of them getting the 'stuff,' it'll only make them want to come back when they need more 'stuff.'

  3. Go Above and Beyond

  • Excellent Customer service is a given on this one, so why not take it a step further. Throw in something unexpected that fits your type of small business. It can be something small, but meaningful, something that the "other gu
    Where Should you Spend your Advertising Dollars?
    One of the most common questions people ask me is: “Where should I spend my advertising dollars?” Their experience can typically be summed up as follows:I recently opened my business as an interior designer. I was so excited. But now – two months later – I’m getting frustrated. I believe that my services are valuable, and I thought there would be a market for them, but I’m having the hardest time finding clients. I’ve spent a couple hundred dollars already on advertising, but I’ve gotten virtually no response from it. Can you tell me where I should put my advertising dollars to have the most impact?My advice? Consider spending your hard-earned money on avenues other than advertising to reach your target market.While it is true that advertising in the right publi
    rates for new customers
    For service based small businesses, offering discounted rates to first time customers is a great way to let them "try you out." Once they've experienced how valuable it is to work with you, they'll be coming back for more—and referring others!
  • Sales and free gifts with purchase
    Sales are another great way to get customers in the door for the first or second or third time; as are free gifts with purchases. New customers can be more comfortable trying out new things at discounted rates and everyone likes a gift. If their experience is positive (and it will be!) and they are communicated with (see "Keeping Customers" below); they will return and become regular customers.

  Keeping Customers

  Second, three ways to make sure those customers remain loyal:

  1. Communicate Continuously

  • I can't say this enough, communicate, communicate, communicate. If you want to become THE resource for your clients in your area, you have to be 'top of mind' for them when that area is mentioned. A great product or service and excellent customer service help, but so do reminders. This doesn't mean bombard them with junk mail and spam, but some formal marketing/communication plan is recommended. Make sure the communication adds value, remind them of an upcoming sale, provide tips or an informative article...something that they'll look at and make a mental note of at least. (see more information on Customer Communication in the resources Box).

  2. Ask for and Act on Customer Feedback

  • This is one that gets overlooked, or only half done many times. Ask your customers what they like and what your small business could do better AND then, ACT on it. I don't mean every piece of feedback is worth acting on, but if you hear the same thing over and over, or if a comment rings true, DO something about it. You're in business because your customers pay for 'stuff', if you can improve the experience of them getting the 'stuff,' it'll only make them want to come back when they need more 'stuff.'

  3. Go Above and Beyond

  • Excellent Customer service is a given on this one, so why not take it a step further. Throw in something unexpected that fits your type of small business. It can be something small, but meaningful, something that the "other gu
    Words of Value, Words of Truth
    When was the last time you thought about the words your business uses to describe itself and what it does? In the rush of market pressures and getting things done, it's easy to forget that we establish our unique value (and values) in relationship with those who happen upon our web sites, brochures, articles, papers, and sales literature.We aren't using words merely to make nice sounds. We're establishing dialogue with the people we are best equipped to serve. Once we've identified those people and understand how to express our unique value from their perspective, we have to consider the value words we want to use to create openings for engagement. What words will we use to convey our unique value to our ideal customers and clients? What Are Value Words?Value words are action
    ith junk mail and spam, but some formal marketing/communication plan is recommended. Make sure the communication adds value, remind them of an upcoming sale, provide tips or an informative article...something that they'll look at and make a mental note of at least. (see more information on Customer Communication in the resources Box).

  2. Ask for and Act on Customer Feedback

  • This is one that gets overlooked, or only half done many times. Ask your customers what they like and what your small business could do better AND then, ACT on it. I don't mean every piece of feedback is worth acting on, but if you hear the same thing over and over, or if a comment rings true, DO something about it. You're in business because your customers pay for 'stuff', if you can improve the experience of them getting the 'stuff,' it'll only make them want to come back when they need more 'stuff.'

  3. Go Above and Beyond

  • Excellent Customer service is a given on this one, so why not take it a step further. Throw in something unexpected that fits your type of small business. It can be something small, but meaningful, something that the "other guys" don't do—your customers will remember and return.

  Following all or some of these steps will have your small business on the road to more new and returning customers who truly enjoy doing business with. Start your plan for getting 'em and keeping 'em now!