(and how new media will help you deliver)
Why it really pays to engage your customers.

1) Customer Service
Everybody likes to feel like they’re the number one priority. When you check in at the doctor’s office you expect the staff to be completely focused on your needs, know your medical history stats like it’s their favorite sports team, and you pretty much figure that your name in their scheduling book has a smiley face next to it.

Yeah, that probably isn’t going to happen. But you can give the same warm and fuzzies without buying packs of smiley face stickers and having pop quizzes before each appointment. Reach out to your existing customers/clients/patients through conversational mediums and REALLY connect with them. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter will open the channels of communication and let you position your business in a way that takes customer service to a whole new level. Be a presence in your customer’s life; not just a service that they use a few times a year.

2) Lots for Nothing
Crap economy aside, everyone wants the best deal. Someone else may have the same car, a comparable home, or the same pants as us but as long as we got the best deal, or better quality deal, ours are so much sweeter. Use this theory to your advantage, and to your competition’s detriment. Even if you’re not the cheapest pick in town, if you can demonstrate why you’re the BEST in town customers won’t mind paying for quality and services or products that they can depend on.

We don’t mean that you should give the farm away. Consider honoring loyal customers with special incentives, discounts, or even tickets to home sports events. Keep open dialogues. Stay relevant in your consumer’s life.

How do you do this? We suggest tested and true new media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and even your own website. Become familiar and use these excellent tools to convey special messages to a select audience. You’ll get instant feedback without spending alot on a campaign that may or may not hit the mark with your audience.

3) Household Names

Gather up all of your marketing pieces and view them through the eyes of a brand-new consumer. Remove those pride-filled glasses you’re wearing and see the collateral in the harsh light of day.

You should see one cohesive image that repeats itself and speaks to company-honored values. Familiarity and a sense of  “oh, I’ve seen this before” will establish credibility and ease new consumer jitters when it comes time to exchange money for services. Does your brand convey the same message as your mission statement? If your marketing voice demonstrates value-add, conveys authority in your industry, and shows off your undeniable talent then job well done. If it doesn’t make sure it’s better than what your competition is saying.

Your brand is your greatest marketing tool. Use it wisely, grasshopper.