Wednesday, September 24, 2008

This In Turn Will Help Will Help Your Business Grow Through Increased Sales, Cost - Reductions And Profit Maximization

Business, Customer Service.

Business crm software - the general perception is that business crm ? - the general perception is that business crm( customer relationship management) software is meant for large corporate entities and if this is the reason as to why you have not yet deployed it for your small business, then you definitely need to change your mindset. In effect, it means that just like the big corporate organizations, your relatively small business too can benefit from business CRM software.


You need to do so because the reality is that such software systems can be used successfully in almost all types of businesses, irrespective of their size. - all you need to do is select the most appropriate software based on the specific needs and requirements of your business. You can always rely on these types of software systems because they offer both short - term and long - term benefits. After deployment, you can easily hope to achieve even the loftier of business goals and objectives such as complete customer satisfaction and highest possible efficiency levels. Within a few weeks of the deployment, you will start to get the benefits that will come in the form of improved operational efficiency of your customer support services. Long - term benefits however will come in the form of a large customer base, made possible due to the high - quality customer support services enabled by the business CRM software.


You can then do a lot more with the same amount of resources, something that will allow you to reduce your operational costs. - this in turn will help will help your business grow through increased sales, cost - reductions and profit maximization. Standard CRM software packages are no doubt pricey, but since you can always request for a toned - down, specifically designed for, customized package your business, you can leave all your worries to rest. As the owner of a small business, you may be worried about investment costs, but you need not be so because what you probably do not know is that cost - effective options are easily available. Just request quotes from some of the service providers and you will know how easy and affordable it actually is to improve your existing customer support services. Since plenty is at stake, it would be better if you go through as many product reviews and user comments as possible before actually purchasing any one of the available software systems. However, since it all depends on your final selection, it' s recommended that you take adequate care while investing in a business CRM software system.


Also, do not forget to use your own good sense and technical knowledge while searching for the most appropriate business CRM software.

Monday, September 22, 2008

The System Displays The Same Details As The View Tickets Function

Business, Customer Service.

Service ticket system - can be used to display customers? - service tickets are generated when customers or user requests a service. On receiving a service request, a service ticket system is used to first access the customer database to confirm the information supplied by the customer. The requests may be made through a phone call, by accessing a, an email message link, or on personal basis.


If the request is about an existing ticket, you need to just search the ticket history of the customer. - when the ticket is saved, email messages' are sent to notify customers and the service desk. If the request is completely new, a new ticket can be created and its details entered with customer inputs and description of the problem. When the problem associated with the ticket is resolved completely, the status of the ticket is changed to Closed. Tickets should be closed only after customer agrees that the problem has been solved completely. Certain ticket systems allow cloning of tickets so that the time required to open tickets addressing the same problem or customer is saved.


When a ticket is closed, an email message may be sent along with an optional survey form to the customer. - using a client console, administrators can view and monitor all updates made to a service ticket. Certain integrated service ticket systems provide several admin functions to create a communication channel between administrators and customers. Every time there is an update to a service ticket, the administrator and the customerarenotifiedabouoit. The system typically displays details such as the name of the creator of the ticket, the area of service, the description of the ticket, the identified priority level, the time when the ticket was saved, and if the ticket is on hold. The view tickets admin function of a system such as Ticket Centre can be used to display pending service request tickets. Most systems allow tickets to be sorted in the ascending or descending order of their name, priority or domain, time.


A ticket that you view in this way will display the till - date information and comments posted by other service operators or technicians on the ticket. - instead of a list of tickets, you may also view the details of each ticket in a screen. You can use this screen to make additions and changes to the ticket such as changing its hold status, or changing to, adding comments resolved status. The view history function of a service ticket system can be used to display customers? resolved service tickets. The changes may be updated to the system or cancelled on the click of a button. The system displays the same details as the view tickets function.


Advanced systems allow quick search with the use of wildcards. - this function may provide the additional feature of search against name, domain or email address of resolved service tickets.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Most People Surfing The Internet Are Looking For Information

Business, Customer Service.

How to get on the good side of internet surfers - most people surfing the internet are looking for information. By giving them useful information, you not only entice the search engines to rank you higher due to your abundance of keywords, but other webmasters may find value in your site and they may link to it, increasing your popularity.


They aren' t necessarily out to buy anything. - you will most certainly receive more traffic as a result of offering information. It is a well established fact that customers tend to buy from someone they trust. In addition, customers will appreciate your helpful information. Obviously, helping them by offering free, valuable information on your site is a fantastic way to gain their trust. One of the highest paid marketing consultants of this day and age and a marketing legend, Jay Abraham teaches this strategy.


They will begin to think of you as an educator. - you need to educate your prospects on every aspect you can. You might want to assume the prospect really doesn' t know anything about your field, and then bring them up to par. Your product, you or your firm, the field and even related fields are all fair game. The best strategy is to offer a bit of valuable content directly on your website. Give them a primer on the topic your product or service relates to. It will be advantageous for you to find out what your customers really want to know and write about that.


Free reports work excellent for this purpose and if you offer it on your website, you can easily set - up an automatic download system. - if you' re having trouble coming up with quality information to offer, start by including as much information related to your specific product or service as possible. As we' ve already discussed at length, this will help with search engine rankings, and with grabbing, gaining links your prospect' s interest. Explain every last detail of whatever you are selling. Remember, the best way to accomplish this is to try to put yourself in your customer' s shoes. Don' t leave any room for customers to ask questions.


What would he or she need or want to know? - if your price is low, explain why it' s so low. If you can manage to do that, you will always outsell your competition. Explain why you offer the best value. What will they learn? Explain what your product or service will do for them.


Will it save them time and money? - your prospects won' t really appreciate what you have to offer them until you explain it to them. Explain how. From there, you can dig deeper and include background information about your central topic. Remember, if your prospect doesn' t know about it, it will be much appreciated. You can also include tips, insider information and further instructions. Don' t take your knowledge for granted.


Provide details on careers in that field( explain what would they do everyday at work) and maybe even the best schools to go to for the field. - for instance, if you have a resume - related product for a specific type of career field, offer free info about job interviews in that particular field. You could also provide some helpful job hunting resources. But, it isn' t wise to give everything away for nothing. You could easily generate dozens of pages full of high - quality content that the search engines, other webmasters and perhaps most importantly, your prospects themselves will truly appreciate. You can put some of your more prized info in an e - book as a special report( even 10 pages is enough) , a weekly newsletter, or in an email series.


If you offer some sort of software, allow customers to try it free for a short while. - so in addition to all the stuff on the site, you can offer a free sign - up for people who want to receive your more" prized and valuable info" . If you have an online course, give them a preview for free. You could also offer a weekly, bimonthly or just a monthly ezine. The key is to trade this valuable information for your prospect' s name and email address so that you may follow up with them later. These are email newsletters that you write - up with fresh content on a regular basis.


Copyright(C) 2005 by L A Parmley. - many people would gladly trade their name and email address for relevant, up - to - date information on a topic that interests them. All rights reserved.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Inbound Versus Outbound

Business, Customer Service.

Inbound telemarketing strategies in dealing with irate callers - the business of inbound telemarketing poses quite a number of challenges. Crossing paths over the phone with this group of customers is inevitable. One of the challenges of every inbound telemarketer is dealing with irate customers.


Reasons why they turn ballistic are varied. - inbound versus outbound. Some have valid demands, others are just easily angered, some unintentionally lash out their frustrations in life in general. You have two choices on how to operate your telemarketing business. This is mainly incorporated in the call metrics of the customer service department. You can go for inbound telemarketing is also known as soft - selling.


The agents are on standby and wait for the calls to come in. - also, a maximum of two attempts to sell is required for inbound telemarketers. Only after that the customer' s concern has been resolved can the agent make a transition to sell a product or service that is fit to the customer' s needs. Outbound telemarketing, on the other hand, involves the agent making a call TO the customer. Emotional cycle. Coined as hard - selling, this type of telemarketing has earned a lot of negative perception mainly because they are unsolicited calls whose aim is to sell. But before we lay out the strategies that can be done to ease the tension on irate callers.


On the first day at the floor, an inbound telemarketer has been given points to take by heart on every possible call that' ll be coming in. - i deemed fair to dedicate a section on what inbound telemarketers experience when handling irate calls. At the very first irate caller who' ll be cursing and saying all those nasty words and threaten to sue and track the agent down. As time flies, they get used to the angry callers and develop ways on how to handle them without being too emotional and end up frustrated. The calls ends with the caller hanging up and your agent all flustered and they end up crying or disoriented. Some tend to become overly defensive and unintentionally argue with the irate caller, which is a big taboo in inbound telemarketing.


As a telemarketing merchant, you will agree that to some extent, irate calls eat a large of percentage of the daily calls that come in. - recommended mechanisms. So, how do owners of telemarketing merchant accounts who run telemarketing businesses proceed in calming down this irate callers? Instill in your agents' minds that it' s nothing personal. Below are some of the ways you can take note and teach your agents. When a caller gets angry and goes on saying nasty things, it' s not because they' re angry at the person they' re talking to, but at the situation.


They have to treat it in a business - like way. - tell your phone receptionists to not be rude, never hang up on the caller, and remember, it' s not personal. Teach them the ASAP technique. Apologize for the inconvenience, Sympathize with the feelings, Accept responsibility for the error, and Prepare to help. This is a way to calm the angry caller' s nerves. Let them know that they can satisfy most people most of the time.


So, if after every effort has been done and still fails to calm down the angry caller, then that' s it. - nobody can please everybody all the time. Make them use the swear stopper. Your agents should not panic nor answer back. The situation gets really heated up when the caller is already swearing non - stop. Once this ranting begins, teach the agents to interject immediately, calmly reassure the caller, address directly the main concern, and ask follow - up questions immediately.


This may cold - blooded to some merchants. - it' s just a call. But, what this means is just for your agents not to take the emotional baggages of that irate call to the next one, which may be a very different scenario, which can be a good call at the most. It technically impossible that they will ever speak to that customer again, except if you have like two inbound telemarketers employed. Make them realize that after the call, it' s over. But then again, tell them to not get too deep for this might jeopardize their handling of the next call.


You can get a good amount of profit from inbound sales. - inbound telemarketing is serious business. More valid sales, the more money will be coming to your offshore merchant account.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

You May Be The One Who Truly Understands The Importance Of Customer Satisfaction And As Such May Be Working Additional Hours Replying To Customer Queries And Complaints

Business, Customer Service.

Password protection system - keeping your goods private - you may be the one who truly understands the importance of customer satisfaction and as such may be working additional hours replying to customer queries and complaints. The reason is that the more your business grows, the more will be the number of customer generated queries and complaints, something that will make it virtually impossible for you to keep pace with the increasing number of mails in your mailbox.


However, if you think that you will make it big just by doing that, then think again because its highly unlikely that you will able to continue your personal interactions with your customers in the near future. - even if you manage somehow, it will not help much because then you will hardly get time for other equally important components of your business such as internet marketing, funds, traffic generation, sales, business expansion and others. Deploying a password protection system on your website may not necessary make you a millionaire overnight, but since it will at least free you from the hassles of writing and posting hundreds of personalized replies to your customers, it does make sense to opt for it. If you were the owner of a large online business such as ebay or Amazon, you could have easily opted for a full - fledged customer support center, but since you are not, it makes sense to try other affordable options such as password protection system software. You may be worried about customer satisfaction, but you need to lay all your doubts to rest because your customers will in fact benefit from the password protection system and not the other way round. This will certainly help you a lot because then only the most urgent and important queries and complaints will manage to get your attention. The software will first try to lead them to the exact answers that they might be looking for, but in case a customer has a unique issue or problem, then the software will prompt him to enter his complaints using his personal mail ID and password.


Another benefit is that you will get complete protection from spammers and hackers who often aim to make life miserable for anyone who dares to provide his mail ID on the Internet. - all these are reasons enough for deploying a password protection system on your website, but in case you are still not convinced, then just download a trial version and see for yourself. Since no one will be allowed to post messages without entering their valid mail ID, spammers and hackers simply will have to excuse themselves and move on to try their luck on other more unsuspecting targets. Trails versions are completely free and removable, so you do not have to worry about anything.

So, If You Do Not Want To Spoil Your Chances For No Fault Of Yours, Then Just Opt For A Help Desk Management Software System

Business, Customer Service.

Help desk management software - the new solution for small biz owners - as an owner of a small online business, if you are finding it difficult to cope up with the hundreds of customer generated queries and complaints, then it' s recommended that you opt for a help desk management software system as soon as possible. When this happens, customers will no longer feel the need to send you emails, thereby freeing you from the hassles of sending basically the same kind of replies over and over again.


You need to do so, because once you have installed the software, it will automatically lead customers to the exact answers that they might be looking for. - apart from eliminating repetitive tasks, you will also be able to save plenty of your precious time, which you can use for other productive purposes. This means that no matter what efforts you put in for writing and posting personalized replies to your customers, your efforts will always go down the drain. It' s not wrong to sincerely believe in hard - work, but you will see, even though you toil all day long and burn the midnight oil as well, that it may not help you much because chances are high that most of your replies will never make it through the spam filters. Then, don' t get surprised when customers start giving negative feedbacks about you and your website, even when you know quite well that you have done your best to satisfy their needs and requirements. Another good reason for installing a help desk software system is that it protects your mailbox from spammers and hackers, whose favorite pastime is to make life miserable for anyone having an email ID.


So, if you do not want to spoil your chances for no fault of yours, then just opt for a help desk management software system. - most of these software systems have inbuilt spam filters that know exactly, how to differentiate between a spam mail and a genuine mail from a customer. You may be a bit worried about the costs. By installing this software, you will thus be able to ensure, that only the most genuine of mails reach your inbox and manage to get your attention. But, its recommended that you leave all your doubts at rest because most of the popular help desk management software systems are available at affordable rates. However, since you just cannot afford to experiment much, especially when your brand image and reputation are at stake, it is recommended that you utilize your visionary skills and invest in a reputed help desk management software system. What is even better is that most of these software systems are available as free trial versions, allowing you to test the software before you actually reach out for your credit card.


It can make a huge difference to your business prospects, so just go for it.

Monday, September 15, 2008

I= Individualized. - No Two Customers Are Alike

Business, Customer Service.

Loyalty is built through c.a.r.i.n.g. service - voicemail, email and other, automated phone systems technology have replaced the personal touch when it comes to customer service. Their number one complaint is that no one really seems to care anymore. Customer frustrations are on the rise.


Your customer can tell the difference between satisfactory service and caring service. - this type of service focuses on completing a task rather than building a relationship with the customer. Satisfactory service is what most customers expect. The market often talks of customer satisfaction, a deceptive phrase because it sounds better than it is. Probably not. Would you have wanted a grade of satisfactory in school?


Satisfactory implies adequate, good enough and acceptable. - customers are discouraged by poor service and expectations are low. Customers who are merely satisfied with your business can be wooed away by others who offer something better. The simple gesture of showing your customers that you care about them will be a welcome surprise compared to the apathy they experience elsewhere. Building customer loyalty boils down to one simple concept - C. Commit to delivering exceptional customer service with every customer interaction. - Take complete ownership of your actions and your customer' s happiness. - Deliver respect, whether you communicate, friendliness and knowledge face - to - face, by telephone or through email. - Maintain a positive attitude - - all the time! - Sign your work with excellence. C= Consistent.


A= Attentive Your customer is not an interruption of your work. - ask yourself, "if this were me, what would i want? " - listen carefully - don' t rush service. He or she is the reason you' re at work. - Focus 100% attention on your customers' needs. Your customer took the time to do business with you. A= Attentive. Honor that decision by taking the time to deliver a quality experience.


Your customer is not an interruption of your work. - ask yourself, "if this were me, what would i want? " - listen carefully - don' t rush service. He or she is the reason you' re at work. - Focus 100% attention on your customers' needs. Your customer took the time to do business with you. R= Reliable. Honor that decision by taking the time to deliver a quality experience. Take proactive ownership of your customers' requests.


Dress professionally. - follow through until they are successfully resolved. - watch your image. Don' t wear clothing that can offend or embarrass your customers. Provide clear and accurate information. Dress in a manner that enhances your credibility and positively reflects on the organization. - Maintain order in your workspace. - Communicate with a warm, friendly tone of voice. Avoid the use of jargon or slang. Respond quickly to your customers' and co - workers' requests.


Also, be careful not to talk" down" to your customers or co - workers. - Follow through by keeping your promises, no matter how small, to your customers and co - workers. - Focus on timeliness. - show up for work and meetings on time. I= Individualized. - No two customers are alike. Return phone calls promptly and deliver information on time. - Promptly reply to email messages. - Commit to professional development by attending workshops and seminars, and reading materials that will help you to learn and grow in your ability to do your job better. Each customer has individual needs and concerns. - Pay attention to your customer' s tone of voice and actions. - Learn how to respond to your customer based on his or her particular style. A shy customer may need assurance and guarantees. A dominant customer may seem impatient and will want to control the situation to get his or her desired results.


An outgoing customer may require more" chat" time. - ask about their children. - congratulate your customers when you learn of their celebrations, such as having a new baby or buying a home. You can build rapport quickly by learning to respond appropriately with each type of customer. - Pay attention to your customers' family members. Acknowledge their birthdays. - Pay attention to their accomplishments such as an appointment to a board, getting promoted or landing that important client. - - Ask your customers for advice on how you or your company could better serve them. Then listen. - Sincerely compliment your customers every chance you get. Encourage their feedback and ideas, even criticism, and yes.


Compliment them on how nicely they' re dressed, their pleasant phone voice, or their patience during a long wait. - n= notable. Don' t mistake compliments with false flattery. - - Surprise your customers by delivering unexpected service, such as free shipping or a little something extra to show them they' re appreciated. - Keep your customers informed about the status of their order, any delays or obstacles to meeting their needs and changes in policies that may affect them. - Customize the way you communicate to honor the style differences of your customers. Word - of - mouth is the most powerful marketing campaign of all. Is your service worth bragging about? - When you hear repeated complaints about something, take the initiative to fix the problem! Give your customers quality service that they can brag about.


For example, if customers frequently complain that it is too cold in the building, contact the person in charge of climate control and ask him or her to adjust the temperature. - this may mean chatting a little longer with a customer who sounds lonely or just wants to visit. If more than one customer complains that the music is too loud when they are on" hold, " take the initiative to have the volume turned down. - Go the extra mile by delivering more than expected. You can waive a shipping charge if an order has been delayed. - Notice their needs. Look for ways to remove service obstacles that may waste your customers' time. If a customer sounds rushed or stressed, acknowledge their busy schedule and do everything you can to speed up their service experience. - Save them time.


Make sure there is a working pen on the counter if they need to sign a credit card receipt. - offer to call them after you have resolved their complaints so they don' t need to remain on the line while you track down the cause of the problem. - stand by your promises. If you need to transfer a customer call, stay on the line to explain the situation to your co - worker so your customer doesn' t need to repeat his or her request. Return calls at precisely the time you said you would call. Never promise service by a co - worker unless you' re 100% certain that he or she will be able to deliver on that promise for the customer. Don' t put a customer in a position of having to call back to remind you that they are still waiting for information.


G= Generous. - enclose a calendar, kitchen magnet or, tips guide one of your company' s products. Be generous with your service by looking for ways to go the extra mile for your customers. - Look for ways to remove service obstacles by bending a rule or making an exception when your customer has a special need. - Periodically, give away a free item to your customers. Be sure to write a note to let your customers know that this is a gift of appreciation just for doing business with you. - When your customers make appointments to meet with you, take them early. - Introduce your customers to other members of the team, especially staff who only deal with internal customers. - Slip your customers a handwritten" thank - you" note when they' ve been patient, when they' ve complained, when they' ve referred a new customer or just to thank them for being a loyal customer. - Hold monthly contests for your customers where they can win prizes. - Actively seek out and participate in community outreach and service events or causes that your customers care about. - Give each of your best customers a standing ovation the next time they walk through the door. - Create over - satisfied customers by frequently asking your customers, "How can we do an even better job of serving your needs? " - Put value on what' s important to your customers, not what' s important to you. Customer service goes a long way toward pleasing customers on both counts. People are loyal to a business when they feel they' ve been treated well and received good value for their money.


G. customer service means going out of your way for customers, doing everything possible to meet their needs and sometimes making decisions that benefit customers, even at the expense of the company.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

They' Ll Provide You What You Need To Know To Keep Customers Happy

Business, Customer Service.

Benefits of using customer phone surveys - most companies spend huge amounts of their budgets to attract new customers to their business, while neglecting and then losing existing customers. Are you investing enough in keeping the customer base you have? Although new customers are always nice, it' s not new customers that bring in continuous revenues, its existing customers.


Do you understand the benefits of using customer phone surveys to keep customers? - you can spend a great deal of money advertising, and just as much guessing about what it is your existing customers want. If you want customer loyalty, you need to give the customer what they want. Why not invest in customer phone surveys? In fact, when it comes to learning about your customer, there is nothing else that is as effective as customer phone surveys. They' ll provide you what you need to know to keep customers happy.


For years these surveys have been giving customers a chance to voice their concerns and also to give praise. - one of the benefits of using customer phone surveys is that you get most of the benefits of face - to - face interviews without the cost of that type of survey. The information your company gathers during customer phone surveys can help you to establish what it is your existing customers want, which means you can work to keeping them as your customers and that same information can help you attract new customers. Mailing surveys or having someone on staff asking customers direct survey questions can be costly and sometimes customers are shy about being completely honest when it' s face - to - face. If you ever wondered if measurement was actually important just look at the successful business that' s growing by leaps and bounds all because they understood the benefits of using customer phone surveys to keep their existing customers happy. Customer phone surveys give the customer a sense of anonymity, which lends itself to customers being more open with their answers to questions.


You can' t keep your current customers happy if you don' t know what your customer is thinking. - consider this: it will cost your company as much as 10 times more to acquire a new customer over keeping a customer you already have. In fact, you can' t fix problems unless you know they exist. For every customer that does make a complaint to you there are 30 that will not. Asking your customer about what they think of your business and how they think you can improve shows just how serious you are about making improvements and keeping customers. They simply won' t return and they' ll also pass their dissatisfaction on to 10 friends. Your existing customers will recognize this and reward you with loyalty, they' ll tell friends and family about you and your customer service, which will increase the number of new customers that come to your business.


There are direct links between loyal customers and successful businesses. - did you know that customer satisfaction is actually a forecaster of future financial success? Now that you know the benefits of using customer phone surveys, don' t you think it' s time to give it a try?

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Prices Are Provided By Software Download

Business, Customer Service.

3d cad software - 3d cad software from www. emachineshop. com is intelligent software that allows you to create your own design and also check whether the design can be machined. The software has been programmed to be easy to use both for engineers and for those without engineering experience. All - at the click of a button.


Informative messages and 3D view of the free CAD software are provided to guide you along. - the software works three in one, it allows the automated machinist expert, instant pricing and ordering system to work. To have various parts priced and processed, the customers need to download the free CAD software from eMachineShop. Interestingly, most CAD packages are designed to create general geometric shapes without regard for manufacturability, or setting up, price real jobs for ordering. eMachineShop makes packages designed from the ground up to serve all these functions in one seamless easy - yet - powerful package. Even the shipping cost is automatically calculated in the software. The software download allows multiple delivery time options to choose from along with the price. Once designs have been made and forwarded to the online machine shop, the countdown to delivery time begins. eMachineShop does not review designs, but encourages customers to download the easy - to - use software and determine themselves whether eMachineShop can meet specific needs.


The processes are highly efficient and cost of fabricating the job depends on the design, quantity, material selection, machine used et al. - the free cad software performs many of the functions normally performed by people. At www. emachineshop. com simple jobs on simple machines generally start at around$ 150 for setup and as low as$ 1 per part( or even lower) for simple parts. An amazing facet about eMachineShop is that a single command in the software gives you a price in seconds. The eMachineShop is competitive on most types of parts - in small or large quantity, except for large heavy items with minimal machining. There is no time wasted with price quotations.


Pertinently, eMachineShop does not accept emails requesting price quotations. - potential customers logging onto the emachineshop simply draw or import the design, and get an instant price. Prices are provided by software download. The free CAD software allows for ordering by all major credit cards, check or money order. Only a few moments needed to download the software allows you to discover an exciting new tool which can be used in many ways. Assistance is just a click away.

Friday, September 5, 2008

E= Enjoyment: People Go To Great Lengths To Increase Enjoyment In Their Lives

Business, Customer Service.

Climbing mt. samie - understanding the 7 core motivators behind all human behavior. I never cease to be amazed at how many sales people focus on themselves rather than on what their customer actually wants to buy.


Legendary sales guru Zig Ziglar once said that the most popular radio station in the world is WII FM, which stands for" what' s in it for me? " As sales professionals, the single biggest change we can make in our behavior to improve our success is to simply get over ourselves and start focusing on our customers and prospects. - the fact of the matter is, our customers aren' t interested in what we have to say unless they feel it is in their best interests. Reframe the question. We can' t be persuasive if our focus is on us. To reframe your approach so that your customers' interests are always at the forefront, start by asking yourself three key questions: Who cares? Be as specific as possible.


In other words - whom are you selling to? - are you selling to marketing vps in the textile industry, or chief technology officers in the aerospace industry? why us? This is where you answer your client' s all - important question, "what' s in it for me? " Put your answers to these questions together and you' ll get a statement that sounds something like this: "You mentioned that you' re working with a very restricted budget. The answer to this question defines your product, whether it' s a tradeshow booth, retirement - planning system, clothing line or human resource staffing service. So what? The VPs of Marketing at banks across Canada and the U. Knowing that, does it make sense to look at our product line? " Take it to the mountain.


S. are buying our tradeshow equipment because it can cut their labor and shipping costs by up to 40 percent while still maintaining durability. - next, you need to make sure you' re presenting the features of your product or service that directly address your customers' best interests. The answer to this lies with the seven most important letters you may ever come across in your career: "MT. How? SAMIE. " There are seven core motivators that drive all human behavior. "MT. Here' s how it works: M= Money: As Zig Ziglar once said, "Money isn' t everything, but it ranks right up there with oxygen. " T= Time: Despite all of our so - called labor - saving devices, it' s staggering how many people are still utterly time impoverished.


SAMIE" is a simple acronym designed to help you remember those motivators whenever you' re dealing with new or existing clients. - e - mail, anyone? A= Achievement: All of us enjoy producing results. S= Security: People have a natural tendency to avoid risk in favor of security, whether it' s risk in buying a product or the security that comes from having a" safe" job. If your solution will help a prospect accomplish something or achieve their sales targets, then you will be much more likely to grab their attention. People will often help out if they feel like what they are being asked to do will really make a difference. M= Making a difference: Look at what' s happening all over the world today.


I= Image and reputation: Whether we admit it or not, we' re all concerned with what other people think about us. - e= enjoyment: people go to great lengths to increase enjoyment in their lives. In fact, it is the power of image and reputation that leads so many of us to have a hard time saying" no. " If your solution affects someone' s image or reputation, then believe me - you' ll get their attention. If you' re not enjoying the situation you' re in with a customer or colleague, they, odds are' re not too thrilled about it either. Sure, this advice isn' t exactly rocket science. Discovering and communicating" what' s in it for them" can go a long way towards making the experience less stressful and more enjoyable - and help you make a great impression.


In my experience, common sense doesn, however' t always translate into common practice. - when in doubt, go back to mt. Just ask yourself: when was the last time a customer asked you for information, and instead of letting them buy what they really wanted, you proceeded to try to sell them on what you thought the best product features were? SAMIE, and ask yourself if your solution is truly addressing one of your prospect' s core motivators. All trademarks used or referred to on this site are the property of their respective owners. Or to keep things even simpler, just remember the words of the immortal Yogi Berra: "The fastest way to get what you want is first to help others get what they want. " Copyright MMVII, Engage Selling: All Rights Reserved.


No materials on this site may be reproduced, altered or further distributed without Engage' s prior written permission. http: //www. engageselling. com

Fred

Business, Customer Service.

What ever happen to customer service - the other day i went into drug store and was standing at the counter to ask the gal where i could find a certain type of aspirin. She looked up at me and didn' t even acknowledge I was there waiting. She was on the phone apparently talking to someone she knew.


The pharmacist was busy filling an order and totally ignored me. - needless to say, i will never go back there again. I waited until she was off the phone and she walked over to the pharmacist and then left out the back door, leaving me standing there. My question is. Fred: You' re not alone my friend. What ever happen to customer service? I have seen this same trend over and over again not only in retail stores but throughout the business world.


Just the other day I was getting a cup of coffee at one of those fancy coffee shops and the guy behind the counter couldn' t even get my drink order straight. - lyna: i have too. Fred: Gone are the days when you would walk into a store and they would fall over backwards to help you out. Fred: I know I have been starting to seek out businesses that are more customer friendly. Lyna: you can say that again, Fred. A good example of this is a little drug store in town that I now visit. Lyna: this is just the type of service that needs to be brought back into business.


When I go in there they call me by name and go out of there way to be friendly. - fred: and if one is smart they will make sure that they implement this type of service. We all like to be recognized and treated with respect. Lyna. Fred: and the business that provides this type of service is one that will succeed. Fred: I don' t care if own a restaurant, a retail store or even if you do business over the internet, good friendly customer service is key and you will be growing your business in no time. Lyna: it' s a great way to grow your business and doesn' t require a lot of effort.


Lyna: what are some of the things business can do to make sure they are providing great customer service? - don' t make assumptions and learn to develop a good ear. Fred: The first thing would be to listen to your customer. Don' t be afraid to ask the customer what they need or what you can do to improve. Fred: This is true, you don' t buy a type of car because it' s practical, you buy it because it makes you feel special. Lyna: Remember your customers don' t purchase a product or a service they purchase what makes them feel good.


Lyna: I would also make an effort to learn your customer' s name. - nothing is more impressive when you walk into a store and they know you by name. Fred. That makes me feel special almost all the time. Fred: And remember to always give more than expected and the return will be reflected in your bottom line. Lyna: Constantly strive to improve your product, the services that you offer, etc. Lyna: There are several excellent books out there on customer service and I would suggest that you Google customer service books to find them.


Be sincere with your gratitude. - fred: and if you don' t do anything else, make sure to thank your customers.