Happy Customers Become Frequent Customers
Like many business owners, given our challenging economic environment, we can't rely solely on longtime customers to keep our company's revenue growing. It's essential for us to dig deep for new ideas to increase our sales by satisfying our current customer base while aggressively seeking new markets.
"It's time to break down the barriers," notes Nick Di Mondo, a partner at Di Mondo Consiglio LLP. When clients call his corporate law firm, they usually connect with the lawyer himself. He personally takes the time to return messages within the shortest period of time. He also adds, "Our clients are our most valuable assets and they should be treated as such." This approach has kept this corporate law firm growing every year.
"Small businesses often have an edge on larger companies in shaping a customer's experience," says Nicholas Di Pietro, ImageQuest's marketing director. "They can rapidly adapt to economic changes or market opportunities, then quickly implement strategies to take advantage of them."
Another approach is to involve customers in your decisions. Listening to your customer's honest feedback and more important acting upon it. Interview a number of major customers and identify their key concerns. Your willingness to listen to your customer's gripes will provide you with information most of your competitors may be afraid to learn from their customers. This comprehensive understanding of customers' needs will, not only set your company apart, but also produce new revenue-generating ideas, and ideally, profitable new business.
Part of the thrill of running an entrepreneurial company is continuing to generate new ideas to maximize the profit-making potential of your venture. Although it's fun to test your creativity, keep in mind that each creative idea requires a strategy for implementation. Make time on a weekly basis to review your progress and if you feel that your efforts are not moving forward, acquire the assistance of a marketing consultant to assist you in implementing your strategy. Busy entrepreneurs recognize the value of a marketing consultant who will keep them focused on their marketing objectives and bring a fresh perspective to their business. "Questioning why tasks are performed in certain ways or simplifying a customer order form can be just as beneficial as developing a new ad campaign," notes Mr. Di Pietro, "Just by performing basic tasks well elevates you beyond your competitors.
A final piece of advice:
Be consistent!
In a world of constant change and uncertainty, delivering what you promise time and time again will go a long way.
Nick Di Mondo is a business lawyer and partner in Di Mondo Consiglio LLP in Vaughan. For more information on their services, please visit: www.dimondoconsiglio.com.
Nicholas Di Pietro is the marketing director of ImageQuest.
For more information regarding brand marketing and communication design strategies or to arrange a complimentary initial consultation, please contact him at 905.850.9994.