Feb 06, 2025
Description: Remember the theme song to the 80’s sitcom CHEERS? This is where you’re heading now with your business. My 15yo hates to go to the grocery store with me, and frequently says “Can’t we go somewhere that you don’t have to stop to talk to someone you know 4 times in 15 minutes?” LOL. It’s okay, he’ll get over it. And you should too, as you gain the notoriety you’ve built in your community. It’s natural, and it’s good for your company longevity and sustainability. You have to know (and remember) THEM, if you want it to be reciprocal. This is where your CRM comes in. Having a system and database structure that allows you to take notes, remember kids’ names, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. is critical as your company outgrows “just you” and into a larger team format. Anyone who is customer and public facing, needs to be able to call up information at the touch of a phone or keyboard. This allows you to collect not just contact information, but important facts and personal information that will help your team with recall, and be ready for that next step and interaction with your clients and the public. You’ve built a lot of personal relationships. Now you’re also likely creating a “Third Place”, the concept that your location & business is one of comfort. It’s warm and inviting. It “feels like home” emotionally. Your business is a safe place to come, share personal information, and get good advice. You are familiar now, and you need to keep up that level of trust. Working with your company is an EXPERIENCE, not just a product or service. One of the ways you’ll do that is to start “giving back” to your community as well, in either time or money via philanthropy and “pro bono” type service projects. At this point you can also create subscription models or loyalty programs to assist with incentivizing repeat business and referrals with a financial or “discount” program associated.
You will LEARN:
- How to handle and manage your expanding community list of clients, colleagues, friends & families in your database.
- Why a CRM system database is critical to teaching your forward-facing staff, for personal client relationships.
- How to create a “Third Place” feeling at your business, so working with your team is an experience vs. a commodity.