How can I grow my business right now without spending any money?
This month, as part of our monthly newsletter, we thought we’d share a cost-free way to use December to get new business.
How good are your customers or clients? It’s worth thinking about this in some detail, because each type of customer needs a different response. Look at your current list of customers, and split them into these 4 categories: Amazing, Basic, Can’t Satisfy, and Disaster.
A = Amazing Customers
For example, for your “Amazing” customers, have a think NOW about how you might thank them this Christmas. Maybe just an email to say that you’re enjoying working with them? A text or phonecall will be equally appreciated. If you do have a budget for this, you could get something a little more personalised, like their favourite wine or flowers. Repeat customers, or even customers that increase their number of transactions with you, are crucial to establishing a steady supply of business, so make sure you keep them on side.
B = Basic customers
For those “Basic” customers, why not ask them if they could do you a little favour this Christmas by leaving you a Google review, or introducing someone else to you? This will push them that little bit further up the “Ladder of Loyalty” and should provide you with new leads.
C = Can’t Satisfy
Those in the “C” category are not to be ignored, just because they never seem happy with what you provide – they may be difficult and make life awkward sometimes, constantly criticising / asking for discounts / paying late, but take a little time to listen to a few of them. Are they actually identifying something that needs changing or improving in what you do? Spend a few moments on the phone or via email asking for that feedback, as it might hold the key to new opportunities for your business.
D = Disaster customers
“Disaster” customers are never going to provide much – if anything – in terms of value to your business, but be sure to establish a good enough relationship that they don’t become toxic – spreading bad news about you and your business, leaving terrible reviews online, and generally becoming more of a nuisance than you need. Leave them to another business to deal with, as they clearly are never going to be raving fans of your business – why waste the time and effort when you have Amazing clients to invest time into?!
If you’d like a complementary, no-obligation conversation with me about this, please do get in touch and I can set up an hour online or in person.
