Guest post By Terez Howard
I took my car to my reliable mechanic to check out my squeaky brakes, which have been making noise for nearly a year. I never had an ounce of problems with the actual brakes; they just made deafening squeals at random times.
My mechanic checked them, and you know what he told me? I can´t find anything wrong with your brakes.
Initially, I was a bit upset because I figured I was doomed to having squeaky brakes for the rest of my car´s days. As my mechanic detailed everything he knew about car brakes and what he did for them, it hit me. I realized that he was telling me the truth. Nothing was broken.
Business owners like to tell their potential customers that they have a problem that needs fixed by yours truly. Even if there is no issue, connivers will tell you that their services can improve your lot in life. I´m sure that other mechanics would have wanted to replace my brake pads, even though they were in great condition.
How is this about marketing?
I will refer my mechanic to anyone with car trouble. I will relate this experience with my brakes. I know that he is not going to take money just so that he can make money. My word of mouth will exert power.
Think about your business. Are you willing to tell your potential customers that they don´t need to hire you, that your services are not the best fit for their needs? It´s a horse-sized humble pill. But if we business owners can swallow that capsule, then we have a mighty influence on our side. It´s called word of mouth.
People will talk about how we didn´t take them for all they were worth, even though we could have. People will recommend our services because they know we will be honest. People will trust us, and that is a precious commodity.
My mechanic didn´t tell me what I wanted to hear. I wanted him to say there was a problem that he could fix for a reasonable amount of money. Instead, he did his best to clean up my brakes at no charge. For that, I am thankful.
I like being on the receiving end of such honesty. I strive to be on the giving end because I know the honesty policy truthfully is best.
By the author:
Terez Howard operates TheWriteBloggers, a professional blogging service which builds clients´ authority status and net visibility. She provides her insights to small business owners at Freelance Writing Mamas . You´ll find her on Twitter @thewriteblogger
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
I am still cutting my teeth on email marketing. Thank you for the insight.
you never know when or from how you will learn something. So you have to keep an open mind.
Honesty goes a long way in terms of keeping your customers happy which is what every smart business should be doing. Word of mouth from happy customers will do more for your business than any marketing campaign.
I wasn’t really looking for this post or similar post, but what intrigued me was the level and depth of using a real life example ie mechanics and it’s r/ship with marketing. IThanks for this Terez.
.-= Jerry@SEO Consultant UK´s last blog ..Come have a good time with Bingcom =-.
Everyday is always a learning process. Anyone’s input will be a potential tool in building the roots of your business.
Hi Josh, you are absolutely right!
Word of mouth from happy customers will do more for your business than any marketing campaign.
I’ve enjoyed being a backyard mechanic, but I’d like to take my skill into the job market now. I am thinking about doing an online program offered by either Penn Foster or Ashworth . thank you
I firmly believe that direct sales (cold and warm calling) are terrific ways to reach people. They are free and time after time I’m able to generate sales this way. I would augment any marketing with 5-10 calls per day to people introducing yourself. Make a note of who is potentially interested and continue to follow up with them.
Be sure to advertise on the radio stations they listen to. In fact, see if those stations or station will do a remote at the place of the blood drive. Give alot of stuff away.
I felt completely overwhelmed until I came across a website by Matt Back. He broke down what I should be doing and how to get started with the Internet marketing basics instead of assuming I knew how to find keywords or how to set up a website.
Its about psychologically persuade potential people to buy the products. Strategy means a step by step plan to do so.Its all about attracting customers & policies that lead to more revenue generation for the company.
“Honesty is the best policy” that’s what other people say, being honest to your customer is very much important so that they will trust you and to the products that they purchase from you. In business you don’t have to become dishonest person to income more, be honest and money will come in.
Good perspective. Being honest translates to good relationship and status because when you are honest to your customers they will give their loyalty to you. Dishonest is not good, so let’s all be honest!
A waitress and dynamic worker looking for a role in the restoration or service that can broaden their skills and knowledge. Able to work under pressure, as a true member of the team and its own initiative. Really motivated and eager to learn new things.