Surprise, Surprise! Have you ever been to a surprise party? Think WAAAAY back– to Pre-Covid-19. Yes, that far back. A REAL surprise party. You know the kind: Hiding in the dark, all crowded together, with eager anticipation swirling around the room. Then that shock of the lights, followed by screams of “Surprise!” and unlimited laughter and smiles. Remember… the delight, the joy, the excitement of a plan coming together perfectly? When was the last time you made your CLIENTS feel that way? The last time you totally surprised them… like really shocked their socks off? Has it been awhile? A month? A year? Or maybe…NEVER? No worries! We are creatures of habit. Every day we tend to follow the same schedules, routines, and strategies for getting things done. It’s the same with our businesses! It’s familiar. It’s comfortable. It works. And that’s ok. But if you want to grow your business, connect with clients, and really create a lasting impression, SURPRISE THEM! Sound fun? It is! Check out these very simple, yet very effective, “surprise” strategies! 5 Easy “Surprises” to Boost Your Business: 1. Exceed Expectations No matter what the project is, always give your clients something MORE. Your “MORE” doesn’t have to be something expensive or time-consuming. Rather, it should just be something “above and beyond” what they were expecting to receive. Something that helps them feel special and like a truly valued client. Sold a dozen hand-created cards? Package them in a pretty box or bag with a nice thank-you note. Finished a chiropractic adjustment? Why not surprise your client with a free sample of the pain-relieving gels or oils you find so effective? (In a cute gift bag, of course!) You get the idea. No matter what you choose, make sure it’s something helpful and useful– no one needs more junk! 2. Send Information When you do business with clients, you get to know them– what they like, what they are interested in, what they find beneficial. Why not surprise them with some valuable information? A helpful resource, the link to an interesting article, an e-book they might find useful… anything that says, “I thought of you.” Attach a quick email that says, “Hey, I saw this and thought you might find it helpful. Enjoy!” Do this every once in awhile, completely out of the blue, no strings attached. They’ll be delighted by the simple gesture– enjoying the resource, feeling like a valued client, and appreciateing you and your thoughtful business practices. Win-Win. 3. BEAT deadlines Let’s face it– deadlines are stressful. For YOU and your CLIENTS. When you agree to a deadline with a client, the clock starts ticking. The closer it gets to the deadline, the more stressful it is– for EVERYONE. Consciously decide to decrease that stress! By routinely delivering your projects and services BEFORE the expected deadline, you’ll enjoy many positive outcomes:Decreased stressIncreased trust and confidence in you and your business Exceeding your client’s expectationsEnhanced professionalismSounds great, doesn’t it? So go ahead… say “goodbye” to stressful deadlines and “hello” to “finished earlier than expected.” You…and your clients…will thank you. 4. Say Thank You “Thank you.” Such simple words… and yet so often forgotten. We get busy, We fall into routines, We inadvertently take things, or people, for granted. When is the last time you THANKED your clients for choosing to do business with you? Has it been awhile? No worries! Here’s your wake-up call! Start making a conscious effort to say “Thank you”– sincerely and OFTEN. Consider a simple card, a heartfelt email, or a phone call to thank your clients… TODAY! A “Thank you” at the end of a project, the end of the year, or even just the end of a phone call works wonders for instilling a sense of appreciation and gratitude to your clients! Ok, I’ll start… THANK YOU, dear readers, for taking the time to read and learn with me every month! Now, it’s your turn! 5. Post to Social Media Surprise your clients on social media by posting inspiration, gratitude, and helpful tidbits of information. These positive posts help to build relationships, to highlight your business and its benefits and values, and to connect you to your clients, and potential clients, in a more human, “outside the office” way. Plus, since social media is so vast, your messages can reach an almost unlimited number of people! So go ahead, reach out and SURPRISE your clients– with a post that inspires or motivates…or just reminds them how much you care. It’ll make their day! Don’t these “surprises” sound fun… and easy? Why not give one (or more!) a try TODAY? Your clients will be so happy you did! My dear readers, YOU are my MORE. I am grateful for YOU… grateful to reach out, to help you connect with your clients, and to help you build your businesses each month! THANK YOU for “Making Connections” with me all year long! May you–and your clients– enjoy a year full of surprises in 2021! Happy Holidays! See you on the trail, |
