NETWORKING WAHM

Archive for October, 2008

Don’t Just Find Customers, Keep Them

Experienced business owners value the importance of their customers.  They will tell you that customers are the lifeblood of their business.  Because of that, many business owners believe that the key to success is to constantly find new customers.  But this is not the case at all.

Smart business owners know that the real key to success is to develop long-standing business relationships with their clients and keep them coming back for reorders and new products or services.

This has many benefits.  First of all, when a business owner has clients coming back for repeat purchases, the business owner will not need to spend as much time on finding new customers.  This gives you more time to focus on the business itself instead of more marketing.

The business’ income will not suffer, as new work will be coming to the business, instead of the business constantly chasing new work down.

Not only will this save time and resources, it is also a more cost-effective way to do business.  The business owner won’t need to invest as much in their marketing and advertising campaigns.  Putting together new ad campaigns can be a serious drain on time and money.

Happy customers are also more likely to send referrals to a business.  If a satisfied customer runs into a friend or colleague needing the type of services and products you offer, they will give that person your contact information.  This results in even more work coming into the business without the business owner chasing after it.

If you like the sound of enjoying repeat business with your current customers while spending less time and money attracting new clients, you may be wondering how to put this into action.  Here are some tips on how to keep your customers happy and coming back.

* Offer quality products and/or services

While it is hard to say which of the following tips is the most important, this one is extremely important.  Without a quality product or service, there is not much reason for your customers to come back.

* Practice effective communication

This is important whenever a business owner is dealing with a customer or client, but it really comes into play for service providers.  It can be very difficult for a business owner to turn over a piece of their business to someone else, especially someone who does not live close by.

But that is exactly what happens whenever a business owner hires a virtual assistant, ghostwriter, web designer, or other service provider.

Service providers can keep their clients happy and at ease by providing regular updates on project statuses and asking questions whenever they are in doubt about something.

Also remember that this is a business relationship and keep that communication professional.

* Provide good customer service

In the above tip, we talked about effective communication skills, but that is just one part of a good customer service plan.  You have probably received poor customer service from a business in the past.  How did that make you feel about the business, and did it change your mind about doing business with them again in the future?

A general rule of thumb is to always treat your customers the way you would like to be treated.  That simple statement will ensure you will have customers coming back time and time again.

Seven Steps to Savvy Forum Networking by Denise Willms

For Internet entrepreneurs and home-based business owners, forum networking is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to build online business connections. It makes sense – a business is built on relationships, and online forums are the best places on the Web to meet people, share your knowledge, and ask your questions.

But before you log on to the first forum you find and start promoting your new business opportunity, take a moment to brush up on your forum etiquette. Like any other social activity, forum networking has its own mores and guidelines. Follow these seven steps to become a savvy forum networker.

1.    Read the rules before you play the game. Most forums have threads that explain how they work. Look for threads titled Forum Rules and FAQ and read them before you make your first post.

2.    Get a feel for the forum by reading previous posts before you jump in. This will help you find the right place to invest your valuable time.

Who are the members? Do they discuss issues that interest you? As a writer and a mother, I look for forums that discuss writing and the challenges of being a work at home mom.

Do you have the answers they’re looking for? If you have the expertise that the members need, you can make a valuable contribution to the community and build your reputation as an expert in your field.

Forum networking is also one of the best ways to learn about your ideal client. Join some of the forums your target market frequents and you’ll learn what’s really on their minds.

3.    Once you’ve found a forum you like, take the time to introduce yourself. Look for an Introduce Yourself thread, or something similar. Share who you are and what you do. Let the other members know you’ve joined their group and that you look forward to getting to know them.

4.    Don’t mistake “telling them what you do” for “advertise your business.” Ads are not welcome in any your forum posts, and they make a particularly bad impression in your introduction. Look for a thread called Ads and save your promotional material for that thread only.

5.    No ad you post will ever be as persuasive as engaging in meaningful conversation with the other forum members. Let others get to know you through your friendly and informative posts, and you will win their trust and loyalty for your business.

6.    Place a link to your website in your signature and add your signature to the end of each of your posts. Here is where you get to advertise your newsletter, describe your latest business opportunity, brag about your newest e-book. If you’ve made an interesting and helpful comment, other forum members will be tempted to click on the link and learn more about your business.

7.    Spend some time every day visiting each of the forums you participate in.  Create a folder of forums in your browser’s Favorites folder to help you keep track. It’s a good personal goal to submit an informative post and welcome a few new members each time you visit.

Combine your informative posts and signature with regular visits, and you’ll be well on your way to building your network and making friends online.

Denise Willms,a homeschooling mother of two, helps work-at-home-moms get targeted traffic to their websites through copywriting, article writing, and press releases. Subscribe to her newsletter, WAHM-Articles Ezine, and receive 105 Power Tips to Get Your Online Business Noticed and Profiting.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com