Welcome!
Today: September 28, 2007


Quote of the day:
"They can because they think they can." - Virgil

Interesting fact about today:
Friday, Sept 28th is Ask A Stupid Question Day
to find out more about it visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ask_a_Stupid_Question_Day


Tip of the day:
Provide quality customer service.
It only takes one dissatisfied customer to spread the news like wildfire or they can spread the news about how wonderful your service has been...it's up to you and how your customer service is.



Customer Service Article:
Customer Service Tips And Techniques
by Adrian Miller

We all know the story...it costs 5 times as much to bring in a new customer, than to keep an existing one. When people become your customer, they want to be loyal. So, why do they leave? Most of the time, they leave because of small oversights and lack of attention to plain, old customer service.

When customers call on the phone, we are provided with a tremendous opportunity to reinforce and grow the relationship. It makes good (economic) sense to take the extra time and effort to make these calls as meaningful and service oriented as possible. Attention to customer service will go a long way in helping you to satisfy your customers and make them feel as if they are truly special.

1. Always tell your customer what you CAN do for them. Don't begin your conversation by telling them what you CAN'T do.

2. Allow irate customers to vent. Do not interrupt them or start to speak until they have finished having their say.

3. Diffuse anger by saying "I'm sorry or "I apologize."

4. Use your customer's name at different points in the call.

5. Make certain that your "solution" to the customer's problem is acceptable to them. Get their approval and agreement.

6. Always conclude each call with a "Thank you" or a verbal message of appreciation for their business.

7. Make certain that your tone of voice is in sync with your words. Remember, your tone of voice can completely contradict your message.

8. Listen attentively! There is nothing worse than asking an irate or troubled customer to REPEAT what they have just said.

9. Go the extra step by following up on your solution. Re-contact the customer to make certain that everything has been handled in a satisfactory manner, and they are pleased with the outcome.

10. Remember to ask if there is anything else that you can do for your customer. Taking the time to ask the question often results in increased business and a more committed customer.




Article of the day:
  Tapping your Business into the Gift Giving Season

The Holidays are right around the corner and getting your business into high gear now will determine the success and increased income level you will have for the holiday season. Holidays can bring direct sellers up to 50% of their overall sales for the year. So what is it that You can do to set yourself apart from your competition and really make a difference?


One of the first things I recommend is to plan an Open House at your own home early in the season. October or early November is a great time for this. A lot of people start shopping early and you want your business to be on their minds and on their shopping list! Plan a simple event that showcases the products for the holidays. Invite everyone you have ever had contact with in your business. Put out big signs and invite the neighbors. Do not be shy! Make your tables pretty and festive and offer complimentary gift wrap and shipping if needed. If your company has several different books for the holidays make sure you have them all available so you can accept pre orders on products coming up in the next month or so. Have enough on hand so your guests may take them as needed. You don’t want to skimp on books at this point in the season! Make sure you know when the last date to order is for your holiday season. You do not want to disappoint anyone by missing a deadline.

 

Another great thing to get started with now is to offer a Wish List for your customers. Have them shop your catalog and list all of the things that they would love to have. It then makes it easy for darling hubby or the kids to shop for them. Offer to mail the list to hubby or your customer can leave it lying around with your business card attached. Again, offer free gift wrapping here.

 

Creative mailings to your past customers and hostesses can really give your business an increase in sales. Choose some gifts or items to highlight on a flyer. Make up some pre packaged baskets of varying price levels and add a photo on your flyer and mail them out. Make sure they are receiving a good deal with the savings showing and an easy way to shop. Also make a list of who you sent them to and Call them after the mailing! Follow through is a must!

 

The holidays are often a time when booking a party can get a bit chaotic. Offer alternative methods to an actual in home party. Online parties or book parties are a great alternative. How about a lunchtime office party for the ladies who work long hours? If they cannot come to you, you can go to them! Another option is private showings in someone’s home. This is a great preview for someone willing to do a book party. She can speak for you while selling the product to friends.

 

Carrying a few items at home for the last minute shopper is also a great idea. Make sure your customers know that you have a few items available. I don’t know how many times I have done a quick basket for someone with items I had in stock. If you can afford it, do it. But make sure they are not dated items that will expire or not be fresh. You do not want to offer old product.

 
Using several or all of these ideas will definitely put you a step ahead of your competition this holiday season. Start advertising the holidays early and frequently and you will see an increase in sales, customers and money in the bank! There is nothing like having your business pay for your holiday shopping! Enjoy!


********
Copyright 2004-2006 by Chris Carroll.
All Rights Reserved.
Chris is a work at home mom that has been in sales for 20+ years.
She has a BS in Business Management
and is the host of http://www.DirectSalesTalk.com as well as her business
she enjoys with her son at http://www.burn2prosper.com.


Ad of the day:
If you want to advertise here please visit
http://www.thedirectsalescoach.com/advertise.html

Hand painted gifts of all kinds.
Great for all occasions.
Every item is hand painted by the artist, Jill McAllister.
Shop now for the holidays!
http://www.jillsartwork.com


$5 OFF advertising either in this newsletter or on the site at
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put the word newsletter in the coupon section and it'll take $5 off your purchase.


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and now, here's to success ~ YOURS!

Tara
http://www.TaraBurner.com
http://www.TheDirectSalesCoach.com
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