Editor’s Note: Here at Dispatches, we are always looking for ways to help our readers do things. For some of our readers, that means helping navigate the working world, for others, it means assisting in the ever challenging question, “what’s for dinner?” For still others, it means figuring out how to balance family life with everything else. In an effort to aid in all of these endeavors, we have collaborated on this article written specifically for our readers.
If you run a business that offers services, you’ll have to think carefully about the best ways to impress your clients. At the end of the day, it is easier to keep a happy client than to attract new ones. Here are five ways to make a good first impression from the start.
- Offer a straightforward appointment booking In many instances, your clients might have to arrange meetings to discuss your services. That process can become a real pain if you don’t use a booking tool. Thankfully, there are many software packages and specialist websites that will make your life easier. An appointment scheduler will keep track of your schedule and let clients know when you’re free. That also means you can automate the booking process without needing to speak on the telephone. Just send clients the link and let them decide the best times to meet.
- Always arrive at meetings prepared The worst thing you can do as a business owner is come to a meeting unprepared. Your clients might have spent weeks developing different information packages. They are going to feel disheartened if you turn up half-dressed without your paperwork. For that reason, it makes sense to take a look at all your meetings at the start of the week. That way, you can make a list of things you’ll need. Cloud storage is your friend in this case. If all your important files are stored online, you can access them from anywhere. That means all you need is a laptop and WiFi connection to retrieve anything you might have forgotten.
- Send gifts to clients on special occasions Most clients know the relationship they have with you relates to business. So, they don’t expect you to remember birthdays or other special occasions. Considering that, you should keep a note of any particular dates and send a gift. You just need to let them know you thought about them. If it’s during the winter holidays, you could send a calendar that contains your business logo. If the client has a significant birthday, you could send a bottle of champagne or something similar. It’s the thought that counts, not the cost of the gift.
- Reward clients Implementing a discount or reward system can be a wise move when trying to impress clients and keep them happy. Maybe you could give people who spend over a certain amount a free service or bonus option. You could offer a discount on a new service or if you’re a social media marketing company consider adding a month of social media management with a six-month payment.
- Don’t discount first impressions Most people make an initial assessment within the first minute of meeting you. So, it’s important that you also work on your first impressions. If clients aren’t impressed the first time they meet you, it will take a lot of effort to turn things around.