My Number One Source of Business

Right now I am so busy with my own business of promotional products that I have little time to go out and find  new customers. My number one source of business is previous customers. My customers hear from me regularly. I keep a steady flow of reminders that I can serve their needs for anything with their custom logo.

All customers who have given my their permission receive an email with a case history of how results were achieved using promotional products. This is to give them an idea of not only what items can be printed with their own customer logo, but also how the items can be used to achieve a desired result. These case history emails go out once every week.

Twice a month a postcard is mailed directly to the customer. These postcards are themed with  a particular product or group of products that is timely for the next promotional opportunity coming up. For example, one of my August mailings was a reminder to place calendar orders for 2007 calendars.

I know many business owners that spend lots of time and money going after new customers, doing absolutely nothing to get previous customers to come back. I have been the customer of many businesses that I never, ever hear from again. For example, I have purchased several brand new cars over the last 15 years or so - not one of the sales people, nor the dealer has EVER contacted me about purchasing another new car. I think I’ve purchased each one of them at a different car lot. No one ever followed up after the sale.

How about a hair dresser or nail tech? I’ve never gone to anyone that has had any type of a follow up system. Just recently my current stylist’s shop started a fun idea to get patrons to schedule their next appointment before they leave the shop. They have a spinning wheel that you get to spin just as you’re paying for the service just completed. When the spinning wheel stops you are the proud winner of a free service on your NEXT visit. On my next visit after  getting my hair cut, I get a mini facial. What a great idea! One day before the scheduled appointment someone calls to make sure you haven’t forgotten the next appointment.

What other ways can you keep in touch and keep your current customer coming back for more of your good service or products?

Make your past and current customers your number one focus. It may be your number one source of business.