I've been approached by many entrepreneurs over the years who want to know if there is an ad piece that will magically get people to call and book jobs.
Sadly, there is not. But, what I'm about to share with you might just be the lifesaving system you need to pump profits back into your business.
It's not complicated to do. In fact, it could have considered more common sense than magical ... I call it "Back to Basics".
I'd like to share with you 10 often overlooked, yet easy-to-implement ways to increase sales, create happy clients and get a ton of referrals.
'Thank You' cards - Very essential ... use them! After each sale, as long as you have captured their contact information, send them a personal hand-written "Thank You" card.
A follow-up call - Do it! Call the client and make sure they are happy with the product or service. Objections can be handled right away and you have the opportunity to show the customer you truly care about them.
Reminder cards - Do them, too! You determine the frequency, but I would suggest at least three times a year. They do not have to be a sales pitch ... but they should remind the client you are available to help them.
E-mail marketing - It's essential that you keep open the lines of communication with your clients. An e-mail is quick, easy and affordable. You can use a service to schedule the times and dates your e-mails are sent.
Social media - Make it a priority. Facebook, Twitter, Buzz, LinkedIn, Plaxo, MySpace and the host of other sites make it so easy to promote your business that I find it unbelievable some companies have not taken advantage of them yet.
Newsletters - Staying in constant contact with clients is key to growing your business. A newsletter, if done right, can build trust and make you the "go-to" expert in your field.
References - Ask for them. Getting referrals is essential to growing your business. The easiest way to get referrals is to simply ask for them. If you deliver a great service, people are more than willing to share a few names with you.
Testimonials - Mail, e-mail or hand deliver a survey to your customers where they can tell you how they felt about your service. Use the testimonials in your ads, website and other marketing to build credibility and show potential customers what people are saying about your service.
Brag book - Create one. A brag book is way to show off your work. You can include your testimonials and pictures of your products, services and customers.
A money-back guarantee - Every company should have one. A guarantee tells the client that you are willing to back up your product or service and put your own butt on the line. Having a guarantee gives the client peace of mind.
If you are not doing these things ... start today. If you're only doing some of them ... then ask yourself why you are not doing them all.
When you institute a "back to the basics" approach, you'll discover that your clients will be happier with your service, you'll receive more referrals, and your sales will increase.