Looking to grow your business? Here are 5 simple techniques you can use to add value and make a positive impact on others.
Do you have a hard time remembering the name of someone you just met? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. People forget who you are too. And when you're trying to grow your business, being forgotten can be bad news. So, what can you do to be more memorable and make a big impact on others? Sure, you could dress unusually or give yourself a funny nick name – that might work, at least initially. But, for long-term success, you'll be much more memorable if you simply make positive impressions on others and add value to their lives.
Here are five techniques you can use to make an impact on your customers, acquaintances and business partners:
Mail Them a Handwritten Note
We seldom receive handwritten mailings anymore – this is what makes them so special. The next time you mail something to someone you know, send it in a hand addressed envelope with a handwritten note. Your envelope will be the first one they open and the most memorable piece of mail they receive all week (or month).
Send Them Some Useful News and Information
Next time you read a magazine or newspaper, think about who you know. Chances are, someone on your contact list would be interested in reading that article too. Clip it and send it - along with a handwritten message. You can also email web articles, send suggestions on a great book you've just read, or give them a heads up about an upcoming networking event. You're not selling a thing - just offering value.
Talk About What Interests Them
A big part of being memorable is being likable. It's hard to like someone who only talks about themselves or their services. It's like listening to an infomercial - boring! Figure out what your customers like to do when they're not at work. Do they like to cook, love the Washington Redskins, fly fish, or have 17 grandchildren? These things are important to them. If you encourage them to talk about their interests, you will be VERY memorable.
Buy them a Cup of Coffee
It can be hard to build connections during short phone calls or emails. If you want to get to know someone better - invite them out for a cup of coffee. You'll have some extra time to get to know them, and they won't feel like they're giving up hours of their time. Think about some subjects you can talk about prior to your meeting. Keep the conversation light, but make the most of your time. Don't just sit there, sipping away those precious minutes together.
Introduce Them to Someone you Know
I'll bet that many of the people you know could benefit from meeting each other. Maybe a friend of yours writes a blog or is President of an organization that could help one of your contacts. Or, maybe they're both looking for an early morning running partner. Think about your network of friends and associates and find creative ways to help them to connect. You'll help build their network and yours as well.
Making a big impact isn't easy and it doesn't happen overnight. It takes time and persistence. But, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it, right? So, starting today, think about what you can do to be more memorable. If you do it right, I guarantee you won't be forgotten.
By Kathy Hrach
Do you have a hard time remembering the name of someone you just met? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. People forget who you are too. And when you're trying to grow your business, being forgotten can be bad news. So, what can you do to be more memorable and make a big impact on others? Sure, you could dress unusually or give yourself a funny nick name – that might work, at least initially. But, for long-term success, you'll be much more memorable if you simply make positive impressions on others and add value to their lives.
Here are five techniques you can use to make an impact on your customers, acquaintances and business partners:
Mail Them a Handwritten Note
We seldom receive handwritten mailings anymore – this is what makes them so special. The next time you mail something to someone you know, send it in a hand addressed envelope with a handwritten note. Your envelope will be the first one they open and the most memorable piece of mail they receive all week (or month).
Send Them Some Useful News and Information
Next time you read a magazine or newspaper, think about who you know. Chances are, someone on your contact list would be interested in reading that article too. Clip it and send it - along with a handwritten message. You can also email web articles, send suggestions on a great book you've just read, or give them a heads up about an upcoming networking event. You're not selling a thing - just offering value.
Talk About What Interests Them
A big part of being memorable is being likable. It's hard to like someone who only talks about themselves or their services. It's like listening to an infomercial - boring! Figure out what your customers like to do when they're not at work. Do they like to cook, love the Washington Redskins, fly fish, or have 17 grandchildren? These things are important to them. If you encourage them to talk about their interests, you will be VERY memorable.
Buy them a Cup of Coffee
It can be hard to build connections during short phone calls or emails. If you want to get to know someone better - invite them out for a cup of coffee. You'll have some extra time to get to know them, and they won't feel like they're giving up hours of their time. Think about some subjects you can talk about prior to your meeting. Keep the conversation light, but make the most of your time. Don't just sit there, sipping away those precious minutes together.
Introduce Them to Someone you Know
I'll bet that many of the people you know could benefit from meeting each other. Maybe a friend of yours writes a blog or is President of an organization that could help one of your contacts. Or, maybe they're both looking for an early morning running partner. Think about your network of friends and associates and find creative ways to help them to connect. You'll help build their network and yours as well.
Making a big impact isn't easy and it doesn't happen overnight. It takes time and persistence. But, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it, right? So, starting today, think about what you can do to be more memorable. If you do it right, I guarantee you won't be forgotten.
By Kathy Hrach
0 comments:
Post a Comment