Women's Business Blog

Women's Business Coach Says: "Ya'll Come Back Now Ya Hear"

Every small business owner must find a way to keep their customers coming back. The tobacco companies know how to do it -- they produce an addictive product, get it in the hands of the customer at as early an age as possible and then sit back an reap the rewards of repeat customers. Oh, and now that cigarette smokers are being shun these same companies have develop a smokeless chewing tobacco so their addicts, I mean repeat customers, don't have to feel ostrasized.

The car companies know how to do it -- they put a chip in every new car that automatically flashes a yellow or orange light at every 15,000 miles letting the vehicle's owner know that it is time for service. They know it will drive you so crazy that you'll take it in and get something done just to get rid of the flashing light.

CVS knows how to do it -- they call a week before the end of each month to remind you that you can press a button and quickly refill that prescription that you have been taking. They don't take any chances that you will take advantage of that coupon at the supermarket or other pharmacy that wants your business too.

HP knows how to do -- magically a notification comes over your computer that the HP toner cartridge you are using is getting low and if you want to buy online RIGHT NOW just link here. I'd love to meet the guy or gal that came up with this one -- Staples, Office Depot, OfficeMax watch out!

So, how do you MS. Woman Business Owner keep those customers coming back? Good customer service is generally the first approach and may work but that won't necessarily separate you from your competitor. Quality product and/or service for less money than the competition. But, again, it won't take long before your competition will offer a special and beat you on price. The answer to this most important question of getting repeat customers is in the examples above solved by some of the smartest minds in business....anticipate your customer's needs. Nothing makes your customers happier than the convenience of doing business with you. It is not always about price or even quality than brings customers back time and time again. It is about convenience and your ability to stay one step ahead of your customer's need and desire.

So, even though that little flashing orange light on the dashboard is driving you crazy let it remind you that reminding your customer over and over again that you want them back will keep them comin'.

 

HIRE VICKI TO SPEAK AT YOUR NEXT EVENT!

National Women's Business Council Report

Did you know that the National Women's Business Council reported that there are 15.6 million women-business owners in the U.S. as of 2002? This is an average of 424 new woman-owned firms, between the years of 1997 and 2002, starting every day. The employment growth in these firms with 100 or more, increased 44% between 1997 and 2002, twice the rate of all comparably sized firms. So, if you are thinking about becoming a woman business owner and joining the ranks you will be part of a growing phenomenon that will energize the U.S. Economy.

Worries of the Woman Business Owner

What keeps you up at night? Whether you are an entrepreneur or an executive, today's business world provides plenty of worries. The lack of control over everything from the weather to the day's disturbing news to the stability of the financial markets can affect your business. So what can you do to bring more perspective to your worries? First, realize that you are not alone. Find someone to share your concerns with and escape the feeling of isolation. Second, understand that not everything is in your control. Relax and work with what life brings you. As the old saying goes, when life gives you lemons make lemonade, and I like to add - then call some other women in business and kick back and have a glass. Finally, keep a journal of those late night worries and check back regularly to see how time and a new day have a way of solving the problem.