Take a tip from advertising world – top of mind awareness is always their goal. How do you achieve this? By constantly ensuring you are in front of your potential perfect customer. You also don’t need a big budget to do this!

Attend association meetings your perfect customers would join. Have marketing materials that create WOW factor. Absolutely DO NOT – I repeat – DO NOT CREATE A BUSINESS CARD ON YOUR COMPUTER. Homemade business cards are not rocks – they are little pebbles – and they don’t make a positive impact on your future or existing customer.

NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF THE RIPPLES

Referrals are one of ripples you want to see in your business. This only happens by treating ALL of your customers with care and attention – ALL time! One ripple method is using thank-you cards. If someone gives you a lead, helpful information, or buys from you – you MUST send them a thank-you card within 7 days. The faster better. Handwritten and not just with your signature. Show appreciation to customers and to those who help you! It creates ripple effects beyond your wildest imagination!

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4)Don't Be Afraid To Ask Your Customer For The Payment. Remember Tom Cruise as Jerry McGuire " Shoooooooooooowww Me The Money?" You aren't bad guy by asking for payment promptly or for a set date when you can receive payment. Sales is an equal exchange of goods and services. No shame in that!

5)Avoiding The Issue Doesn't Work. We all hate being cash cramped - and yes - it does happen to EVERYONE no matter how large or small company. Face your fears and sit down with your customer. You'll discover that most people will be so thankful you spoke to them and were willing to work with them.

6)Learn From The Past. History has a tendency to repeat itself. Offer different terms for clients that have a history of being slow-payers. Ask for cash upfront until a payment history has been established. Charge to credit cards. But still find an option that is respectful to your customer and also to your company.

Working with a customer is just like having any other relationship. Sometimes there are ups and downs but those who are respectful, listen, show value and be pro-active tend to have long relationships with each other!

Copyright© 2005