The same products, services and communication or are you adding a little sugar or spice?Whilst it is perfectly okay to keep everything the same if they are gaining results, it is a good idea to have a mindset of constant improvement.
Constant improvement really just means looking at your marketing and seeking ideas, opportunities etc to strengthen your customer relationships.
If you look at cooking there are many ways, for example to turn a boring old chicken dish into a new dining experience. It could be the way you cook it, ingredients you add, side dishes to accompany the dish.
Before you starting adding or making any significant changes it is always a good idea to get your customers involved. Gaining the right feedback and suggestions can help you look at your business in a new and creative way.
Here are a few suggestions to help you dish up marketing success:
Add a little spice
Just as your tastes can change so can your customers’ attitudes and behaviour. Look at the products and services you offer and see if they still meet the needs and desires of your customers. You could find by adding something to them eg. a new way to deliver your service may increase the appeal to your customers.
Serve it up in a new location
Eating outdoors has a different feel than eating inside at the dining table. Check and see where and how your customers are spending time and make sure you are attending as well. This could be on Twitter, the local coffee shop, forums, networking functions.
Offer taste tempters
At food fairs you always find bite size food for you to taste. If you have market more than one product or service, offering samples or trials of your range can increase the transaction value with your customers. This also applies when introducing additional products or services. Bundle them with your best sellers lowers the initial purchase risk.
Focus on your specialities
Ask any cook whether it a top chef or amateur cook. They all have their specialties that are favourites with their diners. This is the same in marketing, for example if you have a very popular newsletter then don’t be tempted to divert your time and money to the latest marketing tactic where the result may be a big disappointment.
Over to you
These are my initial thoughts. What suggestions can you share with us to help make 2010 a winning year for all?
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What Are You Cooking Up For Your Customers In 2010? …
The same products, services and communication or are you adding a little sugar or spice? Whilst it is perfectly okay to keep everything the same if they are gaining results, it is a good idea to have a mindset of constant improvement. Here are a few ti…
Congratulations on another great outing, Susan. You sure know how to handle a metaphor!
2010 will be a year of closer communication with my clients. I got the message when I did my recent survey. And it has been reinforced by a strong reaction to my corproate blogging report.
My clients want to hear from me. Yet I always thought it best to leave them alone until they called. Now I realise that what my business coach has been saying for years is true.
So, that's my special new ingredient. Keep them coming, Susan! Best regards, P.
Hi Paul,
I was thinking of the cooking I have to do for Christmas that gave me the idea.
Your ingredient I believe is only going to grow in importance and it is one many small businesses just don't do enough of so they are chasing new clients. Maybe it is also a case of not knowing the best way to keep in touch.
Glad to hear your survey gave you this insight. With this information your 2010 I am sure will be a great one.
Susan