Alright…I admit it. I like a train wreck. I complain about the gawker’s block on the Interstate, but…if you guys ever see a blue Honda Element slowing down near a wreck…you can guess that it is me.
So, that sentiment alone is enough motivation for me to post this video:
Favorite parts: “IT IS STILL REAL TO ME…DAMMIT!” and “Among the choices are Jim Carrey, Mike Myers and Philip Seymour Hoffman.”
On a more serious note, though. Take note of this:
The level of belief and enthusiasm that these guys have for wresting is amazing. This is WWF-style TV entertainment. Are they really that serious? Of course they are. The sport has such a hold on them that they have become more than just fans…they are followers. They are believers. They are unashamed worshipers.
Are you creating that for your customers during this recession? Are they at your office door asking who would play you in your autobiographical movie? Do they believe in you so much, they would cry fearlessly in a high school auditorium with other grown men?
Right now is the perfect time to do the things that no one else will do..the tough times allow you to stand out more. Here are some ideas to get you started that I received , but please create your own as well.
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THE LIST
5 Ways To Make Your Customers Cry Over You In Public Places
- Face-to-face time with your key partners. This isn’t just customers, but investors, vendors or just plain professional friends who get what you are doing and support you. Go to more lunches. Attend more charity events that are important to you and your partners. The more people see your face, the more confident they will be in you and in their choice to do business with you.
- Expressing authentic gratitude for business. This cannot be forced. It needs to be real. If you are not actually that grateful, then please don’t send cards, don’t call and don’t offer discounts, etc. BUT, there is nothing like tough times to make you grateful. Take this humbling as a wake up call. Now you have room for some gratitude.
- Find out more about your key customers as people. What is it they really want out of their business? What goals and dreams do they have for their families? Do they have families? Do they have food allergies? What are their pet peeves? Get to know these people…in a tough time, they are going to save your ass and help you to thrive.
- Get the right people on the bus. Don’t settle for less than great performance from employees or partners. If they are not performing with passion, then it won’t cut the recession mustard.You need ambassadors of your good news, and right now, there are lots of A-players available. However, the passion and the will to go above and beyond has to be yours first. Before you blame employees, look in the mirror.
- Stop lying to them. If you are telling them that everything is “JUST GREAT” with your business, you are most likely not truthful. Be honest about weaknesses. Be honest about your concerns. You can still approach them from a position of strength and belief about your company. But, pretending that there is no elephant in the room makes you sound distant and naive.
SOME PERSPECTIVE
When I wrote “Right now is the perfect time…,” I really meant, “Right now is always the perfect time.” In other words, let’s not wait for an economic collapse before we decide to change the way that we do business – here is more on that perspective.
LET ME KNOW
What are you doing to inspire your customers? How are you reconnecting with them during hard times?
- Jeremy Nulik, Creative Energy Officer, St. Louis Small Business Monthly
*Results are NOT guaranteed to produce actual tears, the existence of a microphone or WWF wrestlers, but they will at least allow you to remain in business.
