When it is good to leave something behind!

Repeat business is a must in today’s economy. We spend too much time getting a new customer to have them only buy from us once. One guaranteed method you can use to increase your odds of another order is to give the buyer immediate access to you. Whether you sell a product or service make sure your contact information is being left behind.

Where is the first place most people go when their garage door breaks down? Typically, they will look for “The Number” on the sticker that has been left behind near the button that opens the door. No matter if they bought the house with the door already installed or had it put in, that is typically the first number they will call for repair.

What about reordering cartridges for your printer, another sign for your office, or making a call to have your computer repaired? The chances increase immensely when the buyer has an easy way to contact you.

A friend of mine, Elsa Chaviano, is a Mary Kay consultant and she puts stickers on every item she sells to make it easy to reorder. Another friend, Scott Mulheron, is in the home remodeling business and he leaves a magnet behind on the customer’s refrigerator to assure another call.

Whether it is a small label or a customized magnet, make sure you leave something behind for repeat business!

What “leave behinds” work for you? Post to this blog and share your ideas with others.

Making a Difference through Personal Branding

Eight tips from my presentation to small business owners today. It was sponsored by the NFL in alignment with the South Florida Super Bowl XLIV.

1. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you are your brand! Act and dress accordingly at all times.
2. Learn how to set yourself apart to be favorably remembered.
3. Be consistent. Use the same language, colors, themes “voice” everywhere: business cards, web, print, etc.
4. Always give more value than what is expected of you.
5. Take personal responsibility for everything your company represents.
6. Be mindful of what people think when they simply hear or read your name.
7. Keep commitments and don’t over promise.
8. Remember everyone is a possible customer, employee or vendor – if not, they know someone that could be!