1. Be Yourself and Act With Integrity
Be likeable, be personable, be approachable, and cultivate a high level of integrity.
2. Be Accountable and Respectful
Show true concern for your customer's welfare and satisfaction. Do what you say you're going to do, and, do it when you say you'll do it by. Ask for your customer's input, feedback, and suggestions for improvement or business growth.
3. Be Reasonable and Consistent
Don't think you can do a one-time mailing and make an impact on your intended audience. Develop a plan and execute it on a regular, consistent basis.
4. Be Aware and Be a Team Player
Become an active participant in various industry-specific networks to acquire knowledge to pass on to your clients or to help grow your business, for skills development, and for professional referrals, both ways!
5. Be Generous and Visible
Establish and build your local presence by giving a portion of your time and resources to your community. Consider participation in service organizations such as Rotary International or by offering workshops, complimentary services, or raffle items. Any press you receive will lend greater credibility than any advertising you might place.
6. Be Grateful and Show It
Show gratitude to your customers, staff, and vendors. Host appreciation days, send cards, provide gift certificates, send flowers, or periodically interview special people and do a write-up for your company newsletter or for the local news.
7. Be Trustworthy
Be someone who engenders trust and who offers a sense of security and comfort. Customers (and the law) require that you keep their information confidential. In the words of Thomas J. Leonard, founder of CoachU and CoachVille: "Under promise and over deliver!"
8. Be Clear About Your Niche or Specialty
Know your strengths and let people know what they are. Don't mislead people or waste your time by trying to "be all things to all people". That creates confusion and mediocrity.
9. Be Communications- and Customer-Oriented
Have clearly written policies. Stand behind your products or services at all costs.
10. Be Innovative and Have Fun!
Review your current marketing practices and add a new element to spice up your approach from time to time!
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Verena Aibel, Published Author of Top Ten Articles, CoachU Graduate, BA/Communication Studies (Pennsylvania State University), CTM, and Rotary Foundation Alumni to eastern Germany, Owner, Verena's Venerations, and Business and Life Coach, can be reached at verena@optonline.net, or visited on the web: www.therainbowdance.com
