Designing a Complete Sales Team: Acknowledgement and Appreciation
It is my belief that it is better and more economical for your business to keep the staff you have rather than train a new one. Your seasoned employees can help your company thrive during challenging times. Therefore it is your responsibility as a manager or owner to make certain they are consistently recognized, appreciated and motivated. Give them accolades in front of their peers at your staff meetings; set up a reward system no matter how small; never fail to tell them how very much you appreciate their hard work; get your vendors involved and offer new training when available; stay motivated and enthusiastic about your business—as my grandfather used to say, “Don’t open a shop unless you know how to smile.” Remember this: more than power, prestige or money what a person really wants is recognition.
Customer loyalty has never been more important. The customer experience will drive success in your business over the next few years like never before. Focus on the customer and they will remember your business when they need what you have to offer.
Here is my 15-point Service Success™ formula:
C is for Courtesy —Anticipate the customer’s needs even before they know they have them.
U is for Understanding —Listen to your customer.
S is for Smile! —The universal language!
T is for Tenacity —Is anyone really “just looking?” Find a need and fill it!
O is for Open Minded —Be willing to think outside your policy.
M is for Make a Friend — Make a friend, not just a sale.
E is for Empathy — Agree with the disgruntled, diffuse the anger, and then give them everything they want.
R is for Resourcefulness — If your mission is service then do whatever it takes to help your customer achieve their goal.
S is for Serve — If you don’t have what the customer is looking for then don’t be afraid to tell them who does.
E is for Enthusiasm — It’s catching!
R is for Recognition — More than money, prestige, promotion, or power, what a person really wants is recognition.
V is for Value — The value of goods but also the value of service.
I is for Indulge — Pamper your customer!
C is for Commitment — Do what you say you’re going to do or don’t say it.
E is for Establish Integrity — Uphold your part of the relationship. Be a genuinely nice person.
Investment Dressing is about building a work wardrobe with your hard-earned money that not only exemplifies your personal style but also gets you noticed in the right way at the office. By adding a clothing allowance into your monthly budget you continually modernize your appearance and never strap your financial resources. Here are a few tips to remember before you go shopping:
- Put together a simple clothing budget, perhaps $5 a day or $150 a month, and stick to it. When out in the stores earmark pieces that fit into your workplace collection. Give them a number from one to five, five being a perfect fit. If they are ideal, then pay full price for them. If not, then wait for them to go on sale.
- Choose two neutral colors and one statement color for the foundation of your wardrobe—such as camel, chocolate and ivory; charcoal, black and white; navy, white and red—and build upon these colors year after year.
- Never buy anything unless you have two things to wear with it.
- Don’t impulse shop.
- Spend 80% of your money on “hard pieces,” such as suits. Spend 20 % of your money on trends.
- When buying trends opt for less expensive pieces such as a scarf, belt or updated legwear. Buy a leopard print belt, not a leopard print suit!
- Just because it is in style does not mean that you should own it. Stick to your own personal style regardless of what’s trendy for the season.
Now let’s discuss your responsibilities to your employer. If your company has a dress code it is your duty to adhere to it. Look around your office. What do the managers and executives wear to work? If you’re in a service industry such as banking or mortgage lending, a brokerage, or an accounting or law firm, chances are you’ll see suits and ties. Assuming that your career goal is to advance, then wouldn’t it make sense to emulate those in charge? I doubt very seriously if the bank president is wearing a midriff and flip-flops, even on Casual Friday.
Always remember to dress for the job you want, not the job you have!
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The Texas Hill Country—bluebonnets at dusk.
Being a daughter of the Lone Star State it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful spot on earth. I was raised on both a ranch in the Hill Country and the metropolis of Dallas-Fort Worth. Texas holds a special place in my heart.
If you find yourself traveling to the area south and west of Austin, north and east of San Antonio, around the Kerrville-Fredericksburg area, you’ll find a little slice of heaven in the springtime. Make sure to contact the local Chambers and Visitor Bureaus. They’ll send you off on backroad adventures that you won’t soon forget. Not only is the scenery breathtaking but the local food and music that Texas is known for will really excite your senses. Here are a few links to get you started:
Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce
www.kerrvilletx.com
Fredericksburg Texas Chamber of Commerce
www.fredericksburg-texas.com
Texas Hill Country Lodging
Gastehaus Schmidt
www.fbglodging.com
Luckenbach Texas and Dance Hall, Best Dance Hall in Texas
www.luckenbachtexas.com
Texas’ Oldest Dance Hall
www.gruenehall.com
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Yes, I have taken up the game of golf! I come from a long line of terrific golfers. Recently, when my dad was visiting, I asked him to go to the driving range with me to see if I got the “golf gene.” Well, after his blessing, I decided to take lessons. As I travel to warm climates I’ll be happy to start playing some beautiful golf courses. It will be wonderful to sign up for charity events and play with my clients; and keep the ball in the fairway long enough to make par! Right now I’m still on the driving range but I can’t wait to put together a decent game of golf out on the course. I look forward to teeing off at 7:00 a.m. and walking 9 holes in the peaceful morning of a new day! |
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See previous tips, including travel destinations, here.
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P.O. Box 4164 •
Evergreen, CO 80437 •
303-512-7638 •
fax: 303-674-5356 |
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