| I have really been looking lately at some very | | | | When you are trying to determine what kinds of |
| successful business of all kinds and trying to | | | | freebies to give away, best to have something |
| determine what makes them great. There are | | | | useful for everyone. A new car buyer maybe |
| lots of factors, but one really stands out amongst | | | | some free car washes, a free oil change. A |
| a lot of small businesses... | | | | photographer maybe a free frame or free sitting. |
| They give away something for FREE, a bonus, a | | | | Another really good and easy idea is something |
| perk. When a business gives away something for | | | | anyone can use, such as a gift certificate |
| FREE, they gain more customers, and are more | | | | restaurant, magazine, subscriptions. |
| likely to have their existing customers (their most | | | | Again, just think about it yourself, your own |
| valuable asset, you know) return. So, by giving | | | | personal experience... It is a great, warm feeling of |
| away, they WIN. | | | | satisfaction when you get something for FREE. |
| Over and over again, the winning businesses use | | | | Makes you appreciate that person/company. |
| this technique. Take a look at some of the most | | | | Makes you want to keep buying from them AND |
| successful businesses. The internet ones | | | | tell others about how great they are. |
| sometimes offer FREE shipping. You buy a new | | | | Did you know one of your BEST marketing tools |
| car and might get a FREE gift card to a local | | | | is referrals? It is simply good business to have |
| restaurant. It is a proven practice to attract and | | | | happy customers. So do what you can to attract |
| retain customers. | | | | and keep good customers. |
| Think about how a free gift makes a customer | | | | I know for some businesses times are hard right |
| feel. Buying decisions are usually based in feeling, in | | | | now. Using this technique can not just help |
| emotions, then the customer turns to logic and | | | | maintain your current sales, but INCREASE them |
| analysis. If you make them feel good (legitimately, | | | | (and your PROFITS), making your company |
| do not do it just to manipulate them), they will | | | | MORE money, putting YOU in a better financial |
| develop a loyalty to your business. | | | | position. |
| If you can give them some value, above and | | | | If you are completely satisfied with how things |
| beyond what they are expecting, it will help build | | | | are going now with your business, good for you. |
| that relationship. One maxim I have heard much | | | | Far and away though, most business could use a |
| lately is: Under-promise and over-deliver. Basically | | | | little boost, a new idea, new ways of being |
| this means give them more than you said you | | | | BETTER, of IMPROVING, ways to make more |
| would. It will surprise and excite them, make them | | | | money. BE one of those BETTER BUSINESSES |
| feel (again, legitimately) that they are getting good | | | | and use freebies! |
| value. | | | | |