A Marketing Tool That's Obvious, Overlooked and Cheap

Use the implementation of superior service as a thrifty and effective in-house marketing mechanism.

Marketing and cats appear to have one thing in common: There's more than one way to skin them both.

Marketing isn't just about creating a brand and advertising campaigns; it's about delivering value. So while many entrepreneurs are scrambling to attract new business, some have discovered one of the easiest (and least expensive) tools to keep their sales engines humming, holding on to current patrons through superb
'value added' customer service.

When you weight the cost of attracting new clients vs. the cost of keeping the ones you have, superior customer service will beat most any advertising campaign on (return on investment) ROI.

I have a number of colleagues who built their business on delivering exceptional customer service by using a business model that delivers the best service on all fronts.

'Real service is such a rare commodity out there - it can be a literal desert of mediocrity'.

Companies that offer a quality product and superior service will have very little competition. There's a whole population of potential consumers that want to spend money on service excellence. A service focused business, because of reputation, naturally, attracts a higher caliber of clients and customers who want to work with a company that is 100% focused on the delivery of excellence.

Step up to the front of the queue....... stand out from the crowd.........look at your competition and simply do it better, faster and more cost efficiently........ business development is a process that takes skill and a specific approach to make prospects feel comfortable. Package your services accordingly.

To keep your own successful service-based sales engine running smoothly, implement the following tips:

Rate your performance. Lots of companies claim to give superior service, but if you take an informal poll, most people from every demographic sector will tell you what they think is lacking or could be done better.

The first step toward fixing things is an honest evaluation of your performance across all interaction platforms in that you just......simply have to ask!

'If it isn't broke.....break it!'

Review and repair your processes. After you have a handle on what's wrong, put together appropriate solutions. Efficient processes, the right technology, proper business support and regular communication with your clients, customers, employees, contractors and vendors can help fix previous shortcomings.

Anticipate client need. It's not about you; it's all about your clients' and prospects' expectations. It's about relationship rather than transaction based marketing effort.

The winners in this economic downturn will test their service provision model and use the best 'vehicles' (technology, software, social networking platforms etc) to their benefit. They will intrinsically get that people do business with people and companies they like, companies that understand their unique needs.

Entrepreneurs (SME's) who take the time to thoroughly understand their clients and create environments in tune with clients' unique needs and expectations will flourish. Hard work + right choice + listening + open dialogue = success.

The answers (word of mouth marketing) you get will prove to be a great insight on customer-focused trends, and will be enough to (positively) change your approach to your business and how you deliver that service to the end user.

The person who asks the questions.....controls the conversation isn't that right?! so instigatation of direct communication between the person who purchases/uses the thing and the person who makes/supplies the thing will speed up your response and customer retention rates.

A mind-set that embraces commitment before success will give your clients and customers confidence that you have their best interests at heart.

Start profiting from a service-sensitive mentality. By adding superior client service to your marketing toolkit, you'll be positioned to beat the competition and boost your sales.

John