As Valentine’s day approaches, I enjoy watching how it changes people’s behaviour. For example, I know guys, who will buy their wives or partners flowers and chocolates tomorrow, though they wouldn’t dream of doing it on a “normal” Monday. They wait until the greeting card industry and advertisers give them a reason.
Valentine’s day gifts and “surprises” are preplanned and probably expected too. In fact, we are more likely to be remembered for NOT doing something romantic that day!
Of course, when we give someone a romantic gift and they are NOT expecting it, the positive impact is massively higher. It’s unexpected and inspired by love, rather than social pressure or conformity.
In business, if we provide the level of service our clients or customers expect, we stand a good chance of retaining their custom. However, if we provide the level of service they expect and THEN provide something extra, we stand a good chance of retaining their business, we are also likely to see them become advocates of our services too.
Being remarkable
If you are getting fewer word of mouth referrals from your clients than you would like, do something remarkable for them. This means occasionally doing something more than they expect from you or pay you for. Last week, a client of mine commented how I had completely over-delivered in the service I offer her. She did this in her newsletter, which goes out to 8,000 people and the only reason I knew, was because of the enquiries I received following her passionate advocacy of my services.
Have a remarkable week. It’s more fun, more satisfying and a lot more profitable than an unremarkable week.