Simple Ways To Turn One-Time Customers Into Regular Ones

One-time customers are often given little attention by business owners. Many companies fail to recognize the reason these individuals spend money on their product. Before you toss that customer out the window think about the potential revenue you are tossing away too!

A one-time customer provides so many benefits over a new customer. They get it. They are familiar with your product and services, you just don't need to convince them. They have been there, done that. One-time customers also understand the type of business you are.

Start thinking about promoting your brand. One-time customers will quickly recognize your brand if they see it on a pen, pencil, grocery bag, post it note or other ad specialty item. Sometimes just getting your name out there will convince them to purchase your product again. Offering promotional products is a great way to boost customer retention and repeat business. People love free items. Even a pen.

The more you remind a one-time customer of their experience with your company, the higher the chance to get them to buy again. You leave yourself vulnerable when your business depends on new clients. Building stable, loyal, repeat customers in today's economic environment is key. It will help maintain at least a basic level of income and keep your business alive during down times.

Another way to get one-time customers to come back and join your database is to offer surveys.

Getting feedback is key. Incentive to get them to fill it out by offering to enter their name in a promotional drawing.

Give your customers something they can't get anywhere else. Stellar customer service. Most companies sell the same products and services. Give them a reason to remember you.

Sell the experience. Make it easy to do business with you. Always have fresh, new ideas. Your customers are overloaded. Make it simple and easy for them.

Remember names of your customers and remember what is going on in their lives. It will increase customer loyalty.

Watch your ego! You are thinking well, my clients keep hiring me so I can now bring in anyone to do the work. Be very careful who you bring in - experienced staff is key otherwise you can lose that one-time customer who became a regular customer.

We all look for customers for life. You never want to lose a customer that you worked so hard to keep. Serve them well and they will reward you with loyalty.

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty's Gifts and Basket LLC,

Trading As: Patty's Promotions, a promotional products / ad specialty distributor and gift company.

Contact info: http://www.pattyspromotions.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Desiderio

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CPWN Newsletter July 2009

Chesapeake Professional Women's Network, INC.

Using Promotional Products to Market Your Small Business

In today's world, it's hard for any business to attract potential customers. Promotional products offer an opportunity to get your company's name in front of potential clients in a cost effective manner.

Promotional products can range from coffee mugs, calendars, baseball caps, first aid kits, household accessories, and food items such as candy and nuts.

First and foremost, think about what you want these products to do for your business. Have a clear goal in mind. Are you opening up a new satellite store? Is it a grand opening? Or are you just trying to stay visible with your current clients.

Next, set a budget. Avoid overspending. You can still get your point across with a small budget. On the same note, recognize limited shelf life. Don't overstock! New and trendy products are always available. Talk to your promotional rep about this.

Seek out partnerships to share the cost. For instance, a title company and mortgage consultant can share space on an item (they are compatible) and in turn share the costs.

At the beginning of each year, set up a budget for your advertising and promotional items and then discuss with your promotional rep who can advise you on the most cost effective way to keep your name in front of your clients all year long. Items can be small, cost effective and targeted to get the most bang for your buck. Sometimes a postcard is enough.

Patricia Desiderio, owner and founder of Patty's Promotions (div. of Patty's Gifts and Baskets LLC).http://www.pattyspromotions.com

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty's Promotions (div. of Patty's Gifts and Baskets LLC). Patty's Promotions is a full service promotional distributor. Patricia writes articles for various organizations and small businesses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Desiderio

2007 Holiday Gift Giving Tips, Advice, And More!

Gift giving to your loyal customers, valued clients, trusted partners, supporting agencies, etc. is a tradition during the holidays. You may know them quite well, or you may be hoping to get to know them better. Whether it's a person you work with exclusively or more of a company-to-company relationship, your gift is a chance to express your gratitude and good will. Because this is still a business transaction of sorts, it's also an opportunity to make a lasting impression that says something distinctive about you and your company.

Gifts keep a business relationship alive! Here are some tips when considering gift giving:

1. Don't send gifts wrapped in gold and black. Traditionally, these are colors of mourning. Gifts or wrapping in purple are considered a symbol of bad luck.

2. Do be conscious of cultural and health restrictions. Hindus, for example, don't eat meat. Traditional Chinese believe a gift of a timepiece means death. Diabetics need to watch their sugar intake. People with food allergies ned to see ingredient information.

3. Do keep your gift in a price appropriate area. Sending elaborate gifts sends the wrong message. If you have a small budget and cannot afford to send gifts this year, a Holiday card is an option. Sending a gift from your normal stash of give-a-ways sends the wrong message. It is better not to send than send a gift of this nature.

4. Don't send personal items to clients or staff. It could be misinterpreted. Some no-no items are: perfume, cologne, personal clothing.

5. Do check company policy for dollar limits on gifts. If a corporate policy prohibits gifts, ask if you can still send a gourmet gift basket, fruit basket, or tower gift with chocolates for everyone to share.

Gifts for Co-Workers: when it comes to gifts for the people you work with ... I am sure we've heard it all from the embarrassing Tupperware to the extravagant weekend get-a-way. Your co-workers and staff are your company's greatest asset, so choose gifts that reflect that fact. If asked to participate in a Secret Santa keep your gift neutral. Everyone has different tastes. For Secret Santa gifts, avoid personal items and opt for a box of upscale cookies or chocolates. Food gift items are the #1 gift during the holidays.

Gifts for the Boss are inappropriate .... ask yourself would the person be comfortable displaying this gift in the office? Remember .... when in doubt ... ask your gift professional to meet with you and offer advice on appropriate gift giving.

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty's Gifts and Basket LLC, a coprorate gift consulting firm. Patricia writes articles for various organizations, newspapers on business matters such as strategic planning, networking, etc. Contact info: http://www.pattysgiftsandbasketsrus.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Desiderio

Do's and Don'ts for Successful Gift Giving in Corporate America

1) DO talk to experts about appropriate gifts for your clients. Discuss budget and types of gifts that are appropriate.

2) DON'T send a group gift unless everyone knows each other. If your client is a large company and you work with multiple people at that company, sending a group gift is appropriate if they all work in the same area and can share.

3) DO consider another time of year (other than year-end) to send gifts of appreciation to your clients. Your gift will be remembered and is an excellent tool to market your business during the year.

4) DON'T send personal items to clients or staff. It could be misinterpreted.

5) DO be conscious of cultural and health restrictions. Hindus, for example, don't use any cow products. Traditional Chinese believe a gift of a timepiece means death. Diabetics need to watch their sugar intake, while people with food allergies need to see ingredient information.

6) DON'T overlook international etiquette. If your gift is sent overseas, make sure you ask your gift professional to advise you on local customs first. Cultures differ by country and by area of the world, don't assume you know about an area you are not familiar with.

7) DO check company policy for dollar limits on gifts. If a corporate gift policy prohibits gifts, ask if you can still send a fruit basket for everyone at the company to share in.

8) DO consider bulk shipment. Other than saving money on shipping and handling, you add the personal touch by hand delivery to your customer. The additional benefit - you thank your customer in person for their business and it helps form a good solid business relationship.

9) DON'T send gifts wrapped in black and gold. Traditionally, these are colors of mourning. Gifts or wrapping in purple are considered a symbol of bad luck. Talk to your gift professional for advice on appropriate gift ideas.

10) DO keep your gift neutral. You don't want to offend anyone. Be religion neutral.

11) DO thank your customers for their business. It's not how much you spend, but the thought that counts! Thanking your customers will build solid business relationships.

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty's Gifts and Baskets LLC, a corporate gift consulting firm. Patricia writes articles for various organizations on business topics for small businesses. Contact information at: http://www.pattysgiftsandbasketsrus.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Desiderio

Gifting to Grow Your Business - How Important Is It?

The year-end Holidays come and go and businesses get snowed under with year end gifts from their clients. In some ways, gifts at year end all seem to be lumped together in the client's mind. The new trend is to find year-round cost effective ways to thank your clients.

Did you know that when companies are doing well they don't thank their customers? When things are slow, companies start to court their customers .... sometimes that's too late.

You need to keep your name in front of your customer constantly. Gifting is one way to do this. It does not have to be elaborate. Small gifts (what gift basket professionals call "warm call gifts") would be a perfect way to keep your name in front of your customer. Make gifting a year round, not year-end time to say thank you for their business. This will help secure your relationship with your customers and get referrals.

Attitudes for D.A.T.I.N.G. your customer:

DAZZLE your customer!

ANTICIPATE their needs!

TREAT them the way you want to be treated.

INNOVATE in every area of your business including your policies.

NUTURE the relationship with your internal customers (employees/vendors/suppliers) so that everyone can satisfy your external customers.

GUARANTEE that you stay in business by following these simple rules.

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty's Gifts and Baskets LLC, a corporate gift consulting firm. Patricia writes articles for various organizations on business topics for small businesses. Contact information at: http://www.pattysgiftsandbasketsrus.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Desiderio

Why Business Networking? It Really Works!

Everyone loses customers: ownership changes, changing business plans, personnel changes and many more! In any given year if you are planning for growth you may grow, or have zero growth, or even shrink but one thing is certain - if you didn't go after new business you will be in a less advantageous position. New customers are your life blood and can be expensive to get. Cold Calling, Advertising Campaigns, and Mailings are expensive and require not only money but many sales hours and the return on investment is not usually very high. What can we do to find and get these new customers?

"What About Networking?" Networking is a cost effective way to obtain new clients and growing your business. The first thing you need to do is schedule at least two networking events a week. Next is getting out of your comfort zone. When attending a networking event, always sit with individuals you have never met before. It forces you to mingle, meet someone new and a possible potential new clients.

Here are some tips:

1. Bring plenty of business cards - keep them handy - wear a blazer or pants with pockets. Put your cards in your right pocket. When you obtain the other person's card put it in your left pocket. It is very distracting digging in your purse for your cards. You look "unorganized". Follow up about a week later with a postcard or an E Mail to keep your name in front of the new contact.

2. Eye contact is critical. You know how you feel when someone is talking to you and looking around. Don't look past the person. And don't forget the 3-minute rule (don't be too long winded). After that you lose the other person's attention!

3. Your name tag is your best friend; it introduces you to everyone. We usually shake with our right hand. Put your name tag on the left so it is visible.

4. Last but not least - and certainly very important - Dress for Success. Image is everything! You are on stage with networking. The first 30 seconds someone sees you are very important and you want to make a great impression.

Networking does work! You can meet 90% of your clients this way! Now, get out there and network!! It is essential to your business!! Your business success could depend on it!!

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty's Gifts and Baskets LLC, a corporate gift consulting firm. Patricia writes articles for various organizations on business topics for small businesses.

Contact information at: http://www.pattysgiftsandbasketsrus.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Desiderio

Strategic Business Alliance - Ten Reasons Why

1. More Variety - You will be able to offer your customers a larger variety of of products and services.

2. A bigger Sales Force - The number of sales people will increase when you form this alliance. You will spend less time on hiring new employees and still increase your sales force.

3. More Marketing Dollars - Your marketing and advertising budget will increase and both businesses will share the marketing and advertising costs. You will add products and services to your existing customer base.

4. Batch Products - You can increase your sales and profits by combining products with your strategic partners. Adding new products and services will help you increase your profits.

5. A bigger Work Force - Your business will gain a larger number of skilled professionals. This will help you grow your business faster.

6. Beat your Competition - You will be selling to a larger target
audience, thus beat your competition by selling more products and services. You will increase your existing customer base.

7. Add Credibility - You will exchange endorsements with your alliance partners thus adding credibility with your existing customers and potential new customers.

8. Faster Growth Path - You can expand your business at a faster pace. You will develop new products and services because of the larger sales force.

9. Problem Solving Partner - You will solve your customer's problems faster with the larger base of customer service people. You will learn from your alliance partner how to improve your customer service.

10. A Think Tank - You will have a larger number of people to bounce ideas off of and have a sounding board to solve problems and gain new ideas to grow your business.

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty's Gifts and Baskets LLC, a corporate gift consulting firm. Patricia writes articles for various organizations on business topics for small lbusinesses. Contact information at: http://www.pattysgiftsandbasketsrus.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Desiderio

Schmooze or Lose! The art of Networking

Morning, noon and night, conference rooms at hotels and other meeting places throughout the Greater Baltimore area buzz with business people. Some of them clench coffee mugs, others cling to business cards. They are networking!! Your business’s success could depend on your ability to work a crowd. There’s a lot more business people out there. And it’s harder to get business and people are looking for something new.

Business networking is a fairly new phenomenon. But it works!!! Schmoozing with strangers doesn’t come naturally. You feel uncomfortable, but that’s normal. Get out of your comfort zone …. Walk into a room where everyone is a stranger. The result – you force yourself to meet new people and work on building a relationship with a potential new client.

Below are some do’s and don’ts of networking:

● Don’t be too long-winded when you meet a new contact.

● Always have a preprinted name tag .

● Get to the event early and read all the name tags of those attending. Make notes of who you want to talk to.

● Eye contact is critically important. Don’t look past the person.

● Have plenty of business cards.

● Don’t be underdressed. Networking is theater and you need to look good!

Article contributed by Patty Desiderio, Patty’s Gifts and Baskets. Telephone 410-638-6918, E Mail Patty@pattysgiftsandbasketsrus.com