If you handle your business based on assumptions you are headed for disaster. It is necessary to treat every individual as a prospective client. "Clothes don't make the man" is true in business. A customer who does not look like your typical client may turn out to be your best customer.
Why NOT to Assume
Take, for example, the personal account of Doug Marie. He says that when he was young he was recruited to work in a department store. A customer came to the store wearing dirty overalls and did not look like he would buy anything worth any extra effort that could be made by rest of the sales staff. Doug assisted him in locating every product he sought. The customer ended up making a purchase that was worth over a thousand dollars.
The story proves that assumption is the killer to all sales. It is important not judge a customer by appearance. This also holds true when your business is service based. "You miss a hundred percent of the shots you never take." By the same token, you lose one hundred percent of the business you reject on appearance.
Market to Everyone
You must show all customers the same respect and introduce your product or service to anyone who will listen. You never know where that introduction could lead. Using simple words of appreciation such as "Thank you for visiting, please come again soon!" could be all that you would need to turn a chance customer into a long-term client.
Treat them Right
When you have good customers you have to treat them well. In the case of a high-volume purchasing customer you can offer them the benefit of sending them a catalogue or a price list of the items they regularly buy, or arrange to send coupons and discount packages to cement the business relationship. This will increase your sales and make the customer feel valued, which will cause them to refer other potential clients to your business.
Web Smarts
It is important not to forget your marketing strategy on your website. You can add similar or associated product ads on the order-processing page that the customer will take note of while awaiting processing. You never know what form of advertisement will increase your business.
