"We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It's our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better."
--- Jeff Bezos
Have you been following up with those prospects of old. If not, it is high time that you dust off your customer relationship management file. Dig into the conversations you have recorded with them and renew the relationship.
If you make an effort to get into the face or mind of your prospects, your chances of them calling you with their business can be increased significantly. You don't have to be a pest, but just available.
"I think Amazon is the preeminent pioneer in building a new way of doing commerce: personalized, database-driven commerce, where the big value is not in the purchase fulfillment, but in knowing as much about a customer base of ten or twenty million people as a corner store used to know about a customer base of a few hundred. In today's mass-merchandising world, that's largely gone; Amazon is trying to use computer technology to re-establish it."
--- Andrew Grove
You may not have the data base of an Amazon or Google, but you can use technology to build a base of contacts. If you haven't signed up yet, open an account with Linkedin.com as well as Facebook.com. These social sites allow you to keep in touch with old and new customers, prospects of the past, and even high school classmates. Linkedin is more suited for businesses while Facebook is more for staying in touch with friends. However, Facebook is developing into a great networking tool for your sign business. A friend in a different industry has over 450 "friends" that she can call on to assist her with marketing efforts, including suggesting prospects to call on.
"Remember, you only have to succeed the last time."
--- Brian Tracy
Trying out new ways to contact old acquaintances is smart business. You may not find it necessary to call up every prospect that turned you down in the past, but you'll see results in new business if you start with a list of them.
"Spend a lot of time talking to customers face to face. You'd be amazed how many companies don't listen to their customers."
--- Ross Perot
In my opinion, nothing beats good ole-fashioned face-to-face time. Networking events are happening nearly every week in your neighborhood. Find out where they are. Contact or join you local Chamber of Commerce and seek events where your prospects will be. Only you know your target market and these folks are guaranteed to be at these social gatherings.
Don't be afraid to sing your praises to these prospects. You are a walking talking billboard trying to sell your business. You can be sure that your competition is telling your prospects how great they are. You just need to beat them to the punch!
"Understand that you need to sell you and your ideas in order to advance your career, gain more respect, and increase your success, influence and income."
--- Jay Abraham
Put on your to-do list to at least once per week to contact dormant prospects. Use all of your resources to locate these future customers. Go back to your notes in your CRM file, hunt them down at trade shows, ask your vendors for their contact information ---- be a detective and do whatever it takes to find them, call them, and woo them. Make it a habit to follow up with prospects from trade shows, phone inquires, referrals, and your sales calls. It is really up to you to turn these prospects into lifelong customers. It only takes a little time and energy, but puts you far ahead of the competition.
Creative Realities and Radio Shack's Store One
By Louis M. Brill
Have you ever met a store that is perhaps smart enough to have a personalized conversation with you on its own - without the help of employees? Experience the 'sales concierge' for a flagship Radio Shack Store.
Read the article...
Marvelous Magnets Can Open Up New Revenues from Tradeshows to Vehicles
By Jennifer LeClaire
What do you get when you combine magnets with vinyl? Some marvelously magnetic creations that demand attention.
Read the article...
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Found on a street corner in New York City:
"RED ZONE: No Parking, No Standing, No Stopping, No Kidding!"
On a jewelry store wall:
"If she asked for an engagement 'truck', you wouldn't hesitate"
Outside a hotel in Kansas:
"Help! We need inn-experienced people!"
We know those funny signs are out there. Take a moment and send them in to us and we'll share them with the world. Send all hysterical observations to: info@signindustry.com.