Calling Your Clients

 Let's get real here for a moment and acknowledge that the holidays are upon us.  That crazy time of year when everything seems to annoyingly show up on the 'to-do' list.

A very wise businessman once shared with me that if a fire destroyed his warehouse, it wouldn't matter.  If a fire destroyed his delivery trucks, it wouldn't matter.  BUT if a fire destroyed his client files, his business would be destroyed - finito - ended - finished!

There is only ONE top priority for all businesses to act on this fall season: CLIENT CARE

1) BACK UP CLIENT FILES - if you use a web CRM system of any kind, back it up.
2) BACK UP all client files that are resident on your computers! One client lost a list of 1600 names and with it future business. 
3) BEGIN - calling an established client who did business with you this year - Start with those that signed up with you in January and work your way through the year.
4) SAY THANK YOU to each and every one! 
5) ASK QUESTIONS on how you can help them achieve their business goals for 2012.  You may not be the one to satisfy the request, but if you refer them out, you would be surprised on how well they remember you.
6) BE HAPPY you have clients you can call to say thank you. Let them know how terrific it is to work with them!

Our businesses are built on the loyalty of our clients.  Loyalty is built via relationships that are active and have a feel good factor to them.  So pick up the PHONE and reach out and touch your clients.  They will appreciate it.

Any further questions - contact me and I will be happy to answer your question.
Laurelle Johnson
Strategies for Growth

Screaming Mimis and Chatty Cathys

Do you give nicknames to your most difficult clients?   I have a client who does.  She assigns names to her clients as it tends to relieve her stress. Monikers such Tweedledee and Tweedledum, Clueless, Obi (obnoxious) and Nobi (knows nothing) and the list goes on.

With the Good, the Bad and the Ugly clients, it's all about relieving the stress.

I use Screaming Mimi to describe the client who always likes to complain at the top of their lungs.  They tend to be a bit elusive, irrational and it usually has nothing do to with you or your company.

I use Chatty Cathy to describe clients who have nothing better to do but take up your time with meaningless chatter.  All designed to torture you slowly, word by word, with a monologue that has nothing to do with the service or product you have provided to them.

So how do you get them off the phone and minimize the flotsam of feelings they leave behind?  Aside from just plain hanging up, gently interrupting them with a request to 'continue the conversation' at another time usually works. They are going to feel privileged to now have an appointment to complain versus just an impulse call.

What do you do to get them off the phone?  Comments most welcome. 

Elevator Speech TWEAK

We are offering an Elevator Speech TWEAK this month to all my business associates who are preparing for stellar business growth in 2011.

All businesses change and evolve over time. As with all changes, a strong elevator speech needs to reflect those new changes. When was the last time you updated your elevator speech? You may have added new services or products or gained insight that has changed how you do what you do. Attracting new clients for 2011 means that your elevator speech may need a touch up or it may not convey the message you need it to convey.

Think of it this way: If you are not hitting the revenue goals you hit a year ago, it's time update your elevator pitch.
In this highly interactive coaching session, we can work together to revamp your existing speech to play up your unique strengths or new business offering.

If you book and pay for one-hour session prior to December 31st you will receive a 50% discount off the normal $150.00 fee.

Looking forward to working with you.
laurelle@laurellejohnson.com