What makes your customers and suppliers happy…happier…happiest?
This is a great time of year to think about what would up the joy quotient in your business and to figure out how to do it. After all, January’s not the cheeriest month and folks are hungry for some fun. How can you make your shop the go-to place when your clientele needs a little treat? Here’s three ideas for glee that might get you started:
1. Give them more than they have any right to expect.
Whether it’s a cup of cocoa on a cold morning, a gift of a pair of earring for “no reason, Joan, just that they go with that jacket so perfectly” or a coloring page their child can take home…you don’t have to spend a lot to delight people.
2. Do more for them than they can get anywhere else.
Hold the baby, carry the NTYs back out to the car, help them pull a look together whether for their dinner dance or their dining room. You know what you wish other retailers would do…do it. With style and flare. “Thanks for waiting in line, so sorry we’re busy today…here, have a chocolate while you’re waiting.”
3. Add the little personal, warm fuzzy touches.
A handheld mirror bedecked with ribbons and inscribed You Look Fabulous in the dressing room so she can see the rear view. Free candles with candlesticks once in a while. Free grab bags, “just for coming in on such a dreary/cold/snowy day.”
The way to use these Three for Glee?
Spontaneously, without fanfare. DON’T advertise “Free Cocoa today” on your site, in your blog, in an ad or a Twitter. Just let it be perceived as simply a nice little touch YOU and your staff are doing for HER. Three for Glee is not a sales promotion (=getting them in to spend more), it’s a way to polish your business’ reputation as
the go-to place when they need a little treat.
Remember, delighted people talk. That’s what word-of-mouth is all about. (Oh, and while she’s tickled to death with how nice you’re being? Ask her if she Twitters š )
More posts you might find helpful:
- Your customer’s secret passion
- Were you part of the “in” crowd in high school?
- How can I get me some of that Perceived Value (a mini-seminar, grab your cocoa before you settle in to read)
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
[…] Anyone who can become an advocate of your shop/ your mission, should be escorted around your newly-revitalized business. Columnists, local bloggers, hair stylists and trend-setters: treat them to a tour (and a glass of champagne to celebrate?) and your Freshen Up Campaign will really pay off! Freshen up the photos of your business on your web site and in your broadcast emails as well (don’t hesitate to recruit some happy browsers) and then concentrate on our Three for Glee customer service suggestions. […]
[…] for GLEE. Can your customers win a free party? (See more posts, and don’t miss the mini-series, on […]
Thank you for the reminder, Kate.
Kate – The timing on this is perfect for me. It’s a snow day today and I was trying to think of something to do for the people who showed up today. A free gift just for coming in is just what I needed today. Thank you!
Julie