DIY Trade News Oct 2013 | Page 80

For a range of handles lock-sets and padlocks at really good prices call DIY Trade News October 2013 80 news opinion Feature from page 79 quickly before I caught a plane to present a conference. I had a lot of pain. I phoned our local computer supplier up and he said he had a backlog of work and it looked like it would be three days before he could solve my problem, but he asked me to give him five 011 471 0800 www.fortknoxlocks.co.za minutes and he would call me back. Five minutes later he phoned to tell me somebody would be with me in 15 minutes. How he solved it I have no idea, but he removed my pain and now I am an advocate. Fast delivery and instant gratification can grow sales Make an enemy and be selective You do not want every customer that walks or drives past; be selective on who your customer is. Tell customers who you want and who you do not want to be customers. Examples are: • “For the lovers of fine wine” • “For those who enjoy sports” • “For the plant connoisseur” • “For the real coffee drinker” Promote your values 64% of consumers say they shop somewhere because they can relate to the retailers values. Do customers that walk in your door know your values or are you just another retailer they do business with? The best companies build a community around the brand. Become a Devil’s Advocate When you question people’s beliefs, people start to respect you more. Clearly you have to have done your research before you become the Devil’s Advocate, but challenge your customer’s beliefs about the products you are selling and back that up with information, examples and research. Delight your customers Customers want consistency in the retail experience with your business, but they also want pleasant surprises from you About as well. It keeps them and John Stanley is a conference speaker and you on your toes. Delight consultant. In 2012 he was awarded the WA strategies should be low Small Business exporter of the Year. He works cost to you and high value in 35 countries and is one of the world’s to your customers. most sought after retail and small business Think about how you presenters. His new conference presentation can develop the above looks at the new consumer and how that strategies to get inside your affects your business. customer’s mind and help you grow your sales. Follow John on Facebook: John-Stanley-Associates or contact him at [email protected]