Point of Contact
How many different ways does a prospective client come into contact with your business? Web site? Business card? Receptionist? Email? Function? Brochure?
Every point of contact you have can make or break a potential deal.
Are you doing everything possible to amaze, delight, impress and stand out?
If the answer is no, then it’s time to review. If the answer is yes, look again there are always ways to improve.
BUSINESS CARDS
I am a big business card snob. If someone hands me a business card of poor quality or DIY vibe I bin it. Why would I want to associate with someone who is doing this as a hobby? My life is my business. And therefore I take the utmost care to represent myself with a quality I believe portrays my work.
I have seen some shocking cards of late. Take a look at yours, does it say all there is to say about the quality of your work? Is it representing you in the most flattering light?
WEBSITE
Although cyber business continues to boom consumers are still hesitant to fork out their hard earned money on something that doesn’t look legit. Take the time to make sure your site looks the most professional it can be.
From type set to font, there is a whole lot you can do for no extra cost to launch your website more professionally.
Take a look at the layout and design of winning websites. Does yours match up? What do they have that you don’t? Ask friends, customers, work colleagues what do they like/dislike about your site?
To send an email without an appropriate signature is criminal. I do 90% of my work via email. It has to look as professional if not more so, than the days when you used a letterhead.
Make sure also that there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical areas when sending through emails. Spell check is a great tool, use it.
VOICEMAIL
A lot of us as entrepreneurs have the same cell for business as for pleasure. Be aware of your voice mail message and adjust it accordingly. Also cater the tone and content of your answer to the caller.
Are you calls answered promptly? Do you have a quick turn around on messages? All these things are crucial to building a trustworthy relationship with new customers.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
If you are in high-end fashion yet go to a function, straight from work in a less than flattering outfit that is worn out and crushed, it is going to play a big part in others forming opinions of you and your business.
I love going into stores on Madison Ave. Have you ever seen how manicured and groomed the shop assistants are? And so they should be they are selling couture. More than that, they are selling an experience.
I have a great friend who is a British Rocker, he walks into a room and everyone immediately looks asking ‘who’s that?’ He never has to explain what he does, it’s obvious. He’s a Rock Star.
Does your dress code reflect your business? Are you a high powered business person? Do your shoes reflect the quality and detailed approach you apply to every service you offer? You’d be amazed at what people notice.
Now these are only four areas of contact there are many, many more. Sit down and work out how many ways people come into contact with your business. Examine each point of contact and improve each one significantly.
Leave a Comment