Are you wondering what makes customers love the follow up call? It’s not just that unexpected ring that delights a potential customer during their day. It’s also the emotional aspect of building trust and loyalty with your brand that can be so appealing. When a customer knows you’re interested in solving their problems, offering solutions, and delivering satisfaction, you’re taking a “to-do” off their plate. And they want to know how you plan on doing it.
Here’s how you can make the best impression by following up with each and every one of your connections. While handwritten gratitude letters and a personal phone call are always the best option, you can still stay connected virtually through all of your social media platforms by implementing the following steps.
Respond to Comments: Whenever someone leaves a comment for your company, whether that be a business review or a comment post on your Facebook page, you need to reach out and acknowledge that comment. Better yet, invite them to “LIKE” your pages or follow on all of your other social pages. Let them know you believe you have something interesting to offer and that you’ll stay in touch, even if they aren’t ready to make the sale right now.
Offer Solutions: If potential clients explain why your product is not the right fit for them at the moment, then do a little homework and try finding a suitable solution.When you have an option to present, reach out via an email or a personal phone call and explain what product or service you believe might work for them.
Always take notes when you’re speaking to your customers. Your memory will never serve you well when it comes to all those small details. Often times in the negotiation or consideration process, your customer will be dropping lots of clues as to what they’re really seeking or interested in. With adequate notes you can read between the lines and see things outside the box.
Reiterate Goals: Nobody likes the pesky saleslady who seems as though she’s just pushing pencils behind her desk and reaching out based out of “obligation.” If you’re going to follow-up successfully, you need to reiterate the nature of the original business transaction and the goals your customer has in mind.
Instead of “I’m just calling to see if you made any decisions.” How about, “I really believe the strategy we discussed last week will increase your sales leads. If you have a moment, I’d like to talk about a company we worked with just last week who had a similar situation.” Rather than simply “checking in” you piqued curiosity. Understand the difference?
Having a keen emotional intelligence will help you not only in establishing business relationships, but earning customer loyalty and trust throughout the sales process. From the initial call to the follow-up, they’ll fall in love with it all when you learn how to do it right.