When things get messy globally, think LOCAL!

Hello All,

The trouble that we are seeing currently in the Middle East punctuates something that I have been observing all week. When things get messy globally, people think local. Many businesses are very nervous about the rise in gas prices, and fear that consumers will have less disposable income, therefore spend less, lowering their bottom line. I too have been concerned about this, but have personally experienced a different side to this issue. I just came off a VERY busy week! I had at least one customer each day come in to my shop last week needing print work done who made it a point to tell me they chose my company because of the convenience of doing it locally, but also because of the substantial savings in gas not having to drive to Springfield to get similar services.

So what's the point? As the cost to drive rises, the cost of buying local goes down, therefore making local goods and services a better bargain. Also this benefits on-line sales, as it is more and more possible to purchase items cheaper on-line (even with shipping charges) then driving to the nearest city to purchase them, not to mention the convenience! So take advantage of this opportunity. Make the public aware of how they can save by buying local, even if the price tag is slightly higher. Also if you are an email marketer, take this time to entice new customers to purchase with the savings of both gas and time.

Now what you do with this opportunity will determine if you will continue to keep these new customers, but high gas prices (caused in part by global fears) have brought me increased business. I hope that even if gas prices go down, I will retain these new customers because of my excellent customer service and the level and quality of my service.

(For example, I had a customer come in for the printing/photocopying of 300 booklets. When the document went through the photocopier, a decorative faint graphic on each page did not come through. So we scanned the entire document and added a similar decorative page graphic to each page using Photoshop. Sure it took an extra hour or two, but it made the final product higher quality and better retained the spirit of the original piece. I hope that the customer appreciated the extra effort we took to satisfy, something that big chains would never take the time to do.)

Thanks,
Terri Miller

Miller Enterprises - Web Site & Print Design

Be A Careful Prospect Gardener

Hello All,

Today I was reminded of how important it is to take an interest in every lead that comes your way and to always have time for a prospective client. I have been communicating with a gentleman off and on for two years and today, for the first time, we were able to meet face to face. Today the customer was ready to move forward and the time was right to start work on the project.

It occurred to me that you must care for a prospect much like a gardener cares for his crops.

First you must have fertile soil for a seed to grown in. (A valuable service that people need, done well!)

Then you have to have a seed. (A prospect.)

Next you have to water and fertilize the seed. (Get to know what they need and offer them solutions or suggestions.)

And you have to weed between the seeds. (Become more efficient and get rid of time bandits and distractions that take precious time you could be devoting to your seeds.)

Then support your plant as it grows. (Provide them with peace of mind and answer all their questions, no matter how much time it takes.)

And lastly enjoy the fruits of your labor. (The prospect becomes a customer!) Actually the fruits of this endeavor should be enjoyed by both sides.

And remember why plants produce fruit, to make more seeds, (hundreds of them)! See how valuable it is to be a careful prospect gardener!

Thanks,
Terri Miller
Miller Enterprises - Web Site & Print Design