We’ve frequented our Vet’s office no more than anyone with a growing dog would. It was a nice community based office where they always remember your name, and when Miley walks through the door… there’s an immediate.. “MILEY!!!”

Well, our Vet recently decided to merge with a large conglomerate vet/hospital that are everywhere. It saddened us, as in a time of economic ups and downs, our money goes to the business that really delivers and provides the extra level of service and value. The conglomerate just isn’t one of them - they can’t even remember our name through a simple conversation. It takes days for a phone call to be returned. They have reduced our veterinary needs to being a number in a database. The extra level of service and value is gone.

The competition remains hungry. Therefore, as a business owner, you need to keep constant tabs on what your clients will receive from the competition, what level of service, value, and quality. Two simple tips to immediately add value.

Names.
If you want people to remember your business when it comes time to referring a friend, then it’s time to start learning their names too. If you need to, get your client’s business card and write notes on the back in order to remember. Each time you’re able to make a name connection with a client (or potential), you’re earning their business. That little extra effort does not go unnoticed.

Information.
Provide your client with information beyond your sales pitch that will assist in making their decisions. There’s a lot to be said for a subtle sales pitch, providing the right information will both educate your client and walk them right into your business. For example, if your business is a nursery - you’d want to provide communications to your clients each month with tips on when to plant, how to take care of your garden, and what’s new for gardening in your region. These communications will plant the seed for them to make a visit to your business in order to accomplish the points you’ve provided.

In the end, those two simple items lead to a business with “value-add”. That means you’re providing additional service to your clients over and above the marked price on the product or service. Value-add businesses always win and it’s usually a small effort that differentiates a standard business and one with the extra value… and it’s rarely based upon price.

Time to go plant the seed.

• Leave a comment...