Connecting with customers is what keeps your business connected with success. Instead of racing from one interaction to the next, when we focus on the person in our view and do something to make a difference, we make these contacts life-changing. How so? By following the steps below, you’ll not only create these moments for your customers, but you’ll benefit from that connection, too. Let’s see what needs to be done.
Get Personal
Maybe you were told in your younger years to mind your own business. That’s often polite, and with some people, it might be best to do so. When it’s one of your potential customers, though, you want to connect, you want to show interest, you want to make a difference. Before you make your sales pitch, get to know the person. Find a shared connection you have. By initially discovering what you have in common, you’ll find more and more of those points of interest. Perhaps you’ll find out that you both went to the same high school. Maybe you’ll realize that you have friends in common. Keep looking for a connection.
Get Creative
Use the right side of your brain and allow yourself to think of all sorts of ideas – even those that probably won’t work. When you open the floodgates like that, eventually the right idea will come along. You’ll have more fun thinking – that’s for sure. Unrestrained, pure thought flow – tap into your creative side. Make buying your service or product FUN for your customers to do. A local floral shop was having a holiday sale. Customers chose a dum-dum lollipop and the bottom of the stick had a color which related to a certain percentage. Everyone was a winner – even the lowest discount was 15% – making it seem like such a bargain to buy that glittering necklace or that sunshiny daisy bouquet.
Get Positive
Too often life brings bad news our way. When something happens suddenly, we feel sad and alone, distraught and overwhelmed. When you learn that one of your customers is having a very blue moment, do something about it. Something simple. Something caring. Send a card – a handwritten note – or an animated Ecard, a reminder that the person is not alone – that you are thinking of him or her. If the person is local, a cup of coffee or tea can be of comfort. Let the person talk and respond with a gentle touch or a reassuring smile. Those moments make a such a difference to those in grief.
Get Ready
Make what is ordinary become extraordinary. Get ready to celebrate! Ask customers for their birthdays – and on that day, send them a little something. Use the tools we have at Online Sales Pro, and send them a quick celebratory email – maybe with a poem you’ve crafted for them or a link to a fun animated E-card. If you’ve got much of a singing voice, turn it into a melodious telegram. When you go out on a line like that to celebrate with a customer, that’s something that is not soon forgotten! Making a big deal about someone becomes a big deal to him or her.
Get Quiet
Another way people can feel connected to you is if you let them discover things on their own. Instead of telling others everything you know, give the person a hint about how to discover something about your product or business. Ask questions. Encourage customers to think of how they could benefit with a purchase. Don’t tell them what you know – find out what they think. Guide them so that they can have their own aha! moments, instead of finding out about one of yours.
Connections can be made – and you can be part of life-changing moments. By taking these steps to change the lives of others, your customers won’t be the only ones having life-changing moments – you will be, too. By letting your customers know you care, you are making the most of that connection. Want to get connected? Here’s how. Come join Online Sales Pro (OSP) as the way to bridge the gaps between you and others, making those connections, creating your sales campaigns.
