Creating New Customers
Developing New Customers
Customers Won’t Tell You Unless You Ask
When it comes to creating customers and promoting my carpentry business there are two major factors that I consider. These business factors apply to most businesses both large and small.
Goals for Creating Customers
Making my current customers become repeat customers.
Getting my customers to tell other people about me and my services.
Steps to Follow
In order to accomplish this I need to ask a few questions.
First I need to find out what I’m doing right, which means I need to ask my customers the following;
Q. Why do you enjoy being my customer?
Customers continue to repeat business for a number of reasons (good rates, great service, strong rapport), but it’s rare that they’ll volunteer this information without being asked.
Second, I need to find out what my customers want or need and be able to get it for them, I need to ask them;
Q. What other products or services Do you wish my business offered?
Customers don’t just get products/services from me – they get other products/services before, during and after their transactions with me. Many contractors do not consider this opportunity.
I have found that if their request is out of my business scope that contacting or subcontracting with trusted vendors and supervising their work, or recommending that vendor to my client reflects well on me and is always well received.
Last, in order for me to build a larger referral base, I need to be asking;
Q. Who else can they tell about my business?
Repeat customers like doing business with me for a reason, chances are they know others who would benefit as well … but they won’t volunteer this info unless asked.
Give people a good enough reason to spread the word about you, and they will. The goal in creating customers is to create a brand of quality, value and customer service that attracts new customers.
Additional tips to help generate work
