December is finally here and all signs point to a positive holiday season for retailers. That's great news but it doesn't mean we can just sit back and wait for customers to call or walk through the door. If we want more business, we have to ask for it, and now is the time to do so.
If you haven’t already started calling on your corporate clients for their orders, it should be one of your top priorities this week. I have found that longtime corporate accounts who order every year will usually repeat their order this year as well. But instead of just offering “the usual,” take this opportunity to see if their needs have changed and be sure to suggest any new products or services that may be of use to your client, or even their clients.
Businesses are extremely busy this time of year and people are constantly looking for ways to save time, so most will just settle for a repeat of last year’s order. Taking time to suggest some exciting new products may open the door to larger orders, but you’ll never know if you don’t ask.
This time of year is also perfect for gaining new corporate clients. Are there new restaurants or offices in your area? Most businesses will at least put up a tree or adorn the lobby with some sort of holiday décor. Show them how much valuable time you can save them by letting your shop handle their needs.
Take some time out of your schedule to stop by a few local businesses every day. Even if shops don’t use your services, you never know when they may send a referral your way simply because you stopped in to say ‘hi.’ Like I said, if you want more business, you have to ask for it!
Don't price yourself out of business
You probably can’t compete with your local grocery or big box store on price, so don’t slash your profit margins trying to do so. The one area you can beat them on, though, is service! People love to shop for bargains, but there are plenty of consumers who are more than happy to sacrifice a few dollars for exceptional service – those are the consumers you need to target.
You’d be surprised at how many people have either heard the name of your shop or just think all you do is sell flowers. To them, you just appear to be a flower shop instead of a full-service florist. How many other businesses hand-deliver their products across town or across the country? Play to your strengths, and never let anyone beat you in the customer service department.
Motivate your employees
It’s so easy to get distracted this time of year, especially with holiday planning, travel, holiday parties, kids out of school, etc. Part time or seasonal workers are especially susceptible since they may be looking elsewhere for more permanent employment once the holidays are over. Make work fun for everyone by coming up with sales incentives or bonuses for selling add-ons or gift items. There are many ways to accomplish this without breaking the bank. Lottery tickets have always been popular with my employees in the past, as were ‘paid’ lunches and breaks.
Happy employees make for happy customers, and happy customers tend to spend more money. Let’s make this December one to remember! Make sure your website is up-to-date and your social media listings are current. Always aim to exceed their expectations with exceptional service, and most importantly, keep in mind that if you want more business, you have to ask for it!
-Art
Your friends at Bloomerang Solutions are here to help – you just have to ask (see how that works). Give us a call or send us an email and let us know what we can do for you. Good luck this holiday season, I hope it’s your best ever!