In years gone by selling goods and services was often a one method approach. Simply creating the product and selling it was all you needed to do. Over the years additional elements of customer service and personalising the customer’s experience have separated some businesses and influenced consumer habits.
As we continue to move towards a more user friendly market where more people are able to trade, sell, service not only locally but globally, the amount of noise and competition will bring challenges to attract attention from the public.
It’s time to change
We’re getting to a point now where the purchase or transaction of goods and services is only the beginning. Providing an avenue and resource that is educating your customers and prospects adds a greater value to what you do and will be a deciding factor for some when choosing where to spending their money.
No matter what you do, you are offering a level of knowledge that your customers may not have. You should be doing all you can to not only help them make their lives easier with your product but also educating them to help them live a better life.
Knowledge is power and giving it gives you more
Some might think that disclosing knowledge puts them in a vulnerable position where a competitor may be created or your sales may reduce as your customers become more educated. From a more optimistic point of view, by providing customers with additional value, you are building trust, you’re increasing your own level of expertise (you learn a lot when teaching others) and strengthen your position as a ‘go to’ when it comes to anything related to what you are selling.
As you become more and more related to the product or industry you work in, you will find additional financial opportunities that extend further than your existing business model.
Next level help – Garden Centre develops an app for its customers
A great example of this is Johny from Grow Hard Garden Centre Bomaderry who is launching an app in 2018 that will help customers identify appropriate plants and increase their general well being in their home. This demonstration of caring for his customers will build that loyalty and return business.
I’m here to make money mate, not give away everything!
Now you might be thinking, “Andy, knowledge is valuable. Can’t I make money off this knowledge? After all, I spent a lot of money to learn this all myself”. Sure, there is absolutely nothing wrong with creating additional paid services with the intent of teaching others such as workshops, webinars, small online courses and more. With that being said, however, you should always push to provide as much free value for your customers as possible. This builds trust and demonstrates a real care for the people who support you. Remember folks – The more you give, the more you get.
Is there anything that you offer your customers that is free? Any additional value-adds that you believe help separate you from the competition? Share what you do in the comments!