What does the Geek Squad and Vanderbilt University Medical Center know about building relationships? They realize that the key to building a sustainable business, even if the organization is a renowned medical university, is to become the top-of-mind choice for IT needs and medical training.
[source: How Helpfulness Wins Hearts and Sales, by Kare Anderson. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kare-anderson/howhelpfulness-wins-heart_b_3142183.html]
Their new strategy is to understate the importance of a sale by finding ways instead to help their customers. In his book “Youtility: Why Smart Marketing Is about Help Not Hype,” author Jay Baer states that “Sell something, and you make a customer. Help someone, and you make a customer for life.”
The helpfulness is both online and in-store. Here are some tips for creating a culture of helpfulness:
Show favoritism: Give ultra-exclusive offers to the biggest spenders.
Serve others in difficult situations: When companies create new solutions for people who are in tough situations, they not only win fans from those helped, but often win extra media coverage. While free advertising shouldn’t be the motivation for action, who’s to argue with the added benefit?
More convenience, fewer hassles: How can you reduce the number of steps customers must take to complete a transaction or inquiry? Can you make it more fun?
Add an unexpected bonus: In the online world the “bonus” is almost as expected as the actual product. So much so that it’s almost an afterthought and not a bonus. Instead of a lot of bravado about extra bonuses, include an unexpected delight.
“Eva Kathryne Gregory is a master coach, Law of Attraction expert, speaker and author. As host of her own radio shows, Eva has interviewed some of the most influential thought leaders today. She has had the honor of sharing the virtual stage as a featured speaker with many experts such as Mark Victor Hansen, Cynthia Kersey, John Assaraf, and Jack Canfield among others. Her latest book, Life Lessons for Mastering the Law of Attraction, co-authored with Jack Canfield, can be found in bookstores everywhere. Since 1999, Eva has followed inner guidance along with her Spirit-Enriched Business System™ to create a multiple 6-figure business. Her passion is teaching spiritual entrepreneurs how to tap into their own inner guidance and merge it with the practical steps to create healthy, six-figure businesses from a place of purpose, passion and prosperity. Get your FREE REPORT: “Massive Success For Spiritual Entrepreneurs” here. Learn more about how Eva can help you at www.EvaGregory.com.
