Turn new customers into a repeat customers!

 For any type of business, converting a new time customer into a repeat customer is its number one goal, other than of course, making a profit. Do you own a business and still can’t figure out how to keep your customers coming back? 

 Here are three tips that might help:

1.       Provide stellar customer service – today, one of the most important qualities a customer seeks for in a business, is how the owner treats its clients -- its customer service. Once the customer leaves your business, or after you have provided a service, you want to make sure they walk away knowing that you have done everything possible to satisfy them and make them happy. Otherwise, there is a very small chance they will come back and rumor will spread about your lack of good customer service. So take this tip and start putting it into effect today. 

2.       Stay in touch – Sometimes providing excellent customer service isn’t good enough.  Make sure your new customers know you care about them and want them to come back. The best way to do this is by following up with them after the sale, maybe by sending them an e-mail or just giving them a quick call. They will appreciate this and will be more likely to come back.  

3.       Rethink your customer-loyalty programs - when you give your customers a good reason to come back, especially if there’s something in it for them, they’ll come back every time.   Think about creating  a “rewards” program by telling your customer that for every 1 or 2 items that they purchase, they will receive a free gift or maybe a discount off their next purchase.  Be creative to think of other incentives. Little things like this will keep your clients happy and coming back to visit you.

“ It is a fine thing to have ability, but the ability to discover ability in others is the true test. ”


— Elbert Hubbard

Thanks to all of you who were part of our 2nd Creative Marketing Group meeting last night!

We held our 2nd monthly meeting of the new Creative Marketing Group last night. Totally FANTASTIC!

 

Our participating small business owners -- all challenged to find creative, inexpensive ways to market their businesses -- made so much progress in the past 30 days that they impressed each other and me too! And the best part is that they're thoroughly enjoying themselves in the process (almost had to chase them out! :-)

 

They are learning to enjoy the experience, rather than dread it .... finding ways to collaborate with each other for greater visibility .... developing ways to reach their "ideal customer" more efficiently and effectively and understanding the importance of not tying themselves down to the "tried and true" by opening their minds through creative exercises.

 

Thank you all for making my job so much fun, and letting me experience your "wins" along with you!

 

-- Carol Daly, SBDC Consultant

For students who want to start their own business...

Whether you are thinking of majoring in Entrepreneurship or thinking about starting-up a business after graduating from college, you should take a look at these suggestions. Follow these tips and you will be better prepared to take that big leap.

Click here to read the article

Here is something for you.

There are 40 ..... a few weeks ago this came through and 40 were proven to exist.

How many squares do you see?

Take a look at this video and get INSPIRED! Start TODAY.

This little mom and pop shop started very small many years ago. The only thing they had was a small hot dog cart and a big heart and will to start their own business. They started selling hot dogs for 10 cents and drinks for 5 cents. The couple was unemployed at the time, so they decided to start their own small business. Today, it has become “Hollywood’s Hot Dog”, selling more than 2000 hot dogs a day.

Maybe this story will inspire you too to get your dream small business idea started. We can help.

Are you already using Pinterest?

We've been touting Pinterest as a great (and sometimes better) use of social media for small business. Pinterest can be a great way for your company to interact with your customers and get your name out there.

Well you don't have to take our word for it just see how these 9 businesses are getting exposure by using Pinterest Contests.

Click here to read more on this very interesting article that will give you many ideas on how to interact with your clients.