The universe has a perfect accounting system: the more you give out, the more you get back.
What does this mean? Am I telling you to slash prices? As a new business owner, of course you can’t afford to give away massive amounts of products free, or not charge for your services. That’s not what I’m talking about.
What you can do, and for next to nothing, is listen to your customers and other people you meet and do what you can to help them solve their problem or dilemma – even if it doesn’t have anything to do with your business. This can be as simple as giving them the name of your fabulous mechanic or suggesting a tradesperson who didn’t charge you for a simple repair (you know, the “you need to plug in your computer in order for it to work” guy). Then phone that person and tell them you’ve sent someone their way – they’ll thank you.
How do these kindnesses help your business?
Even a small act of kindness stands out and people will remember you for it. Ask how your customer is feeling if they were ill with a cold the last time you spoke to them. Say something nice to them. Say please and thank you. In turn, they’ll remember you and when they come across someone who can use your services, you’ll be on the receiving end of a referral. Another simple thing to do is to ask for some extra business cards from a business that gives you great service and pass them on to others. It’s the pay it forward approach.
Here’s an absolutely free thing you can do right now. Send an email to someone who has helped you along the way. It could be a customer, a supplier, an employee or your accountant. Tell them you just wanted to take a minute to say thanks for all the help/advice/assistance/great ideas they’ve given you. Make their day.
Sounds too simple to be of any value? Well, we’re here to tell you simple works. This is all part of what we call networking – building relationships with others. And as you’ve probably figured out by experience, building relationships is what business is all about. People buy from those they know, trust and like, so give customers a chance to see you as the decent human being you are. Do something nice for someone. You’ll reap the rewards.