Yesterday an author posted a warning to colleagues online. To summarize, he reminded that one day an author can be on top. Another time, readers can change their minds, and he or she may be forgotten and replaced. How true. Book deals can slide down a slippery slope of "we'll pass." Personal issues can interfere with a person's career. Anything can happen, even if an author is currently leading the way. And hey...the economy still is shaky.
No matter what kind of business it is that you have, remember to stay humble as you climb the ladder of success. When you have to revisit the circles from whence you came, people will appreciate how well adjusted you are. Customers value someone with whom they can interact reasonably. A smile, offer of assistance, or correction of an error can be priceless.
As an aside, a manager of a chain didn't bother to show up for a marketing appointment with me. I still typed up a follow up email and called at a later time. "I haven't read it yet. I'm opening a new store for my team," he explained. Keep in mind that he set the appointment.
It doesn't take that long to read an email after a person messed up. As far as I'm concerned, I won't patronize that business again. I don't spend my money any place where I feel disrespected or taken for granted. Also, I'm amazed at how many businesses in
my area aren't receptive to either free interviews or affordable marketing services. PG County is known for marginal customer service. Who wants to change that? I did. I take a gander online and read complaints that are probably easy fixes if someone merely paid attention to customers who had already given them a try. Quite frankly, I've been a top brand ambassador in my area. While building my own portfolio, I'm offering pretty sweet deals, considering what my rate has been through other companies. I'm not an arm twister, so I walk away. However, the reason why my weekend time is so crowded now is because I'm working on a project with someone who does want my contribution. Last week, the brand was on TV with a major free endorsement! The owner is expanding, and I'm humbled to be a part of the company's growth. Customer service is a big connecting factor to sales volume, when an individual has a quality product.
The moral of the story is that we never know what someone can do to add to our current endeavors, what they will say about us, or who they know. In these times, bloggers and epublishers can grow powerful platforms. When we're dismissive, we're making a statement about our own inflated worth and outlook. Many people forget that mistreating, ignoring or dismissing someone is a risky premise. The universe sees how we treat others; it doesn't matter if we have an impressive title or we're "big time." It's amazing how a phone will ring after people realize that someone is out and about relaying a messy experience to another consumer. The wise thing may be to try to treat consumers well as much as possible. No one is perfect, but rude people are hard to mistake. Reasonable customers are getting tired of that. They usually slip away with no follow up. Then, they spend their money elsewhere.
People don't have to do anything for us--please and thank you go a long way. Others reach out to help us shine because they want to, unless we're paying them for a service. If someone is being pleasant, there's no need to discount the positive energy. Plus, giving it justice ties into customer service. It pays to be humble and grateful. The best promotion is unsolicited. Genuine testimonials sell. No matter what we do in life, we can never have too much positive PR. Wise trendsetters know that and don't forget it. Social media is not the last stop.
It's just a virtual handshake. Consumers have lots of choices, and those preferences are discussed. That's the root of reality. It's wise to work on customer retention, and repeat business, not just reaching out to new customers.
