Churning Clients Off: How To Improve Client Retention

My sister recently had a horrible experience with an auto repair business. They quoted her one price and the next day, increased it by $60.00. She waited 4 hours for her car when they promised it would be ready when she arrived and the day after the repairs, my sister’s car wouldn’t start.

What a freakin’ waste of time and money! What lousy service!
Does this sound familiar?

All too often consumers feel victimized after their first purchase and the odds of them repurchasing is ZERO.

While the churn and burn method of doing business is still practiced, the success of your business relies on customer retention.

Smart entrepreneurs know the key to client retention is delivering great and consistent customer experience.

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself about the customer experience in your business.
1. Am I clear when setting expectations? Transparency is key to a satisfied customer. Be very clear on what you need from the client and what they can expect from you.
2. Do I speak to all my clients the same? Not all clients are motivated by the same thing. Many clients are turned off by feeling like just another number. Identifying the types of client you have and tailoring your message to fit your client types will improve engagement.

3. Do I follow-up after the purchase? Asking clients if their needs were met is essential to increasing repeat buying. The feedback received will help improve your business and is an opportunity to solve a new problem.

4. How do I handle dissatisfied clients? Being kind, professional, and helpful when handling dissatisfied customers opens the door to future purchases.

5. Do I demonstrate that I care? Clients want to know that you care about them and their problem. Beyond solving their issue, what support do you provide?

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How To Start A Conversation: What To Say

Life is some much sweeter when you’re able to connect with others. It's also great for business. And for those of you who want to connect but don’t know how to start conversations or what to say, this post is for you!

After many awkward attempts at networking, hours of reading, and listening to podcasts, I've learned there are 5 simple tips for befriending people. Practicing my suggestions will make talking with anyone fascinating, fun and easy.

Best of all, you will be adored while still being yourself.

1. Allow a 2 second pause before a response. Like your mom used to say, “Think before you speak.” No matter how emotional the conversation, collecting your thoughts before talking will prevent you from saying something you’ll regret AND be respectful of the other person. Conversing with someone who doesn’t cut you off is welcoming. By following this one tip, people will spill the beans and tell you everything about their lives and think the world of you.

2. A simple question equals a simple answer. I have to admit, I’m still practicing this one. Being longwinded isn’t a good look on anyone. If someone asks you what you do and you tell them your whole life story, that person will avoid asking you anything else ever again.

3. Compliment and ask. If a person captures your attention by what they’re wearing, reading, saying, etc. compliment them on it and ask about it. Starting a conversation with a genuine compliment is a positive and easy way to engage someone. Be specific in your compliment. Describing what you like and why paves the way to an engaging follow-up question.

4. It’s not about you. Starting conversations is about being interested in the other person. This requires active listening and asking questions. If you’re constantly critiquing your every thought and move, you can’t be in the moment. If you can’t be in the moment, you can’t focus your attention on getting to know others. So GET OUT YOUR HEAD! Stop worrying and self-criticizing and start being curious. The beauty of being human is that we’re all seriously flawed beings with insecurities. Not to mention, we’re all weirdos too!

5. Be aware of your facial expressions.  There are some of us who naturally hold a mean look on our faces. If that's the case practice a more approachable look.  I had the habit of mean mugging people and wondered why no one wanted to talk with me.  Yet once I changed my neutral facial expression, strangers initiate conversations with me on a regular basis.

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How To Generate Real Referrals

Many business owners are overlooking the power of referrals and mostly focusing on online marketing. Although internet ads have its advantages, ads don't compare to referrals.

Some of you may disagree. Yet, when we explore the definition of a referral, I’m sure you’ll reconsider.

What is a referral?

As Stacey Brown states in her blog titled All “Referrals” Aren’t Referrals and Aren’t Created Equal, the definition of a referral has become extremely diluted today.

Most people generalize different types of leads and group together terms.

Understanding the difference between an introduction and cold lead will help you identify the right actions to generate REAL referrals.
Savvy BOSS LADIES teach their clients how to refer qualified new clients.

Types of referrals

When someone mentions your services/products to a friend, it generates word of mouth buzz. The more your name is seen or heard in their world, the more likely they seek you out. Although word of mouth buzz isn't a referral, free marketing adds credibility and that's a good thing.

If someone gives you the name of a company or contact information but doesn’t connect you, that’s a cold lead. Although you can use the referral source name, you work just as hard to close the sale as you would any other prospect. Very little trust is transferred from your contact to the referral. In fact, extra work may be needed to build rapport and overcome suspicion.

An introduction provides a little more leverage. When someone introduces you, a transfer of trust is made. The referral source is vouching for you which helps build rapport. This connection is a warm lead. Some effort is still required, especially if the referral source doesn’t explain why she’s connecting you.

When the referral source positions you as being the premier person to solve a problem and the referral contacts YOU, it’s a true referral. They’re already sold on your solution, and the trust is established by the referral source. The only effort required is to listen and not screw up the sale!

Clients who present you on a diamond encrusted platter can grow and sustain your business better than any online marketing funnel can. Rock star clients who send REAL referrals your way are game changers because you're no longer worried about the next lead. Being sought after is the ultimate position all entrepreneurs dream of so how do you get there?

Marketing your business through referrals is an easy way to grow your business if you do it right. Consistent referrals can be achieved in a systematic way by using these three tips.

1. Inform new clients on how you work. If they know your primary business comes from referrals and how it benefits them, they’ll be more likely to send referrals your way.

2. Teach clients on how to identify your ideal client. If they know who your ideal client is, they will refer qualified people.

3. Show your appreciation to clients when they do refer someone. Once you convert a referral into a client, send your referral source an appreciation gift thanking them for the referral. A thank you card is a nice gesture, but spending a few dollars speaks volumes.

If you need more ideas on what to say, or someone to walk you through the process, lets schedule blueprint session!

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What The Tech? Top 3 Questions To Ask When Investing in Technology

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the latest tech talk?

If you're anything like me, technology doesn’t get your go. In fact, it’s a little overrated.

I've spent thousands of dollars and time experimenting with software, equipment and online courses to discover there’s a lot of mediocre products out there.

Not to mention, purchased items I have yet to use.

Sound familiar, right?

I gained tons of wisdom that I'll share with you so you can avoid costly mistakes.

Before you invest in technology ask yourself,

Will you actually use it?

Many times we run out to buy the latest tech because of the perceived benefits. Little consideration is given to the time and practice it’ll take to learn it. To implement a program, software, or equipment takes more time than we realize because new habits must be developed. Is it user friendly? Is support included? Are there additional fees? Any tech that will drastically change the way you work is not for you no matter how awesome the benefits are.

What problems do you want to solve?

Are you having issues with workflow, customer engagement, or sales? Identifying the root causes of issues will eliminate a lot of headaches. How many times have you purchased a solution that only addressed the symptom? Diagnosing problems is 80% of the work so take the time to identify the real problem before shopping for a solution.

Does it align with your philosophy?

How you run your business must be aligned with your why. If you’re an entrepreneur that's big on building relationships, your communication methods shouldn’t heavily rely on email and social media. Doing so will be a breech of integrity and you’ll lose trust from prospects.

Tech you should invest in.

Technology is meant to compliment your work and make doing business manageable. It can never replace the human element. Software that helps with the back-end of your business like project management, velocity, and finance, will save money and minimize human error. Software such as CRMs and email automation handles the front-end of your business, where you engage prospects and clients. Using tech that assist with the front-end of your business will help increase revenue.

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