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A haircut and a new customer—or how to grow your business
By Ken Varga | May 21, 2010
Here’s an experience I just had this week. I was reading my local newspaper, and an ad jumped out at me. It was for a Hair Salon. It stated: “Bring this Ad with you and your first visit is FREE.”
I set up an appointment and complimented the owner on her ad.
Here’s the interesting part—
When I was leaving, the girl that did my haircut gave me a small bag with a gift of a sample shampoo they probably got from their supplier, but also a small sample of the conditioner she used when she washed my hair. And in the bag was a “Thank You" letter from her.
Here’s what the letter said.
Hi
I just want to say it was a privilege to have the opportunity to treat you to one of my personalized haircuts and styles.As a thank you, I am giving you 50% off your next haircut and style when you book your next haircut.
Please call and reserve your time with me, Elaine at Salon by the Sea, 732-282-1600.
My hours are Thurs 10-8 Fri 9-5, Sat 7-4.
Sincerely
Her name, address and the website
The reason I’m mentioning this is that you could massage this process to fit your own enterprise.
The thing is that I still paid for the haircut, because I’d feel bad if I didn’t. Plus, the salon owner now also has a new client because she gave me a great haircut and created a great “experience”. Could you do something similar and get similar results?
Let me know in the comments section below how you might use this concept in your enterprise.
Topics: Attract More Clients, Attract more customers, Grow Sales, Growing your business, customer acquisition | 13 Comments »
June 6th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
I Love this Idea!
Ken, thank you for posting this on your blog. Fantastic!
I bet Elaine has made a lot of new “Happy” customers.
I am going to implement a simular strategy for my clients.
Thanks again for the post:)
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Ken Varga Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
William, implementing a similar strategy for your clients sounds good. I would be very interested in hearing how this works in the plumbing arena. Keep me informed.
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July 2nd, 2010 at 8:13 am
Thank you for this blog!
My sister who has already spent thousands on advertising may be able to use this idea to increase her customer base! Thanks again for sharing!
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Ken Varga Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
You are welcome, Melinda.
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July 9th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
The haircut reminded me a friend who used haircut syndrome to the way people perceive urgency. I often think about it when I get a new client call and return that phone call as soon as I can.
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Ken Varga Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Hi Katalin,
Tell me a little more about the haircut syndrome and how your friend used it.
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July 10th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Ken if anyone in the country knows how to grow a business during these difficult times it is you . Thank You for all of yur marketing Ideas you are the Best.
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Ken Varga Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Thanks for the compliments Joseph.
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July 10th, 2010 at 9:18 am
Ken
I know how busy you are but when you get a chance please talk about ( What is the most important asset to any business
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Ken Varga Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Ok Joseph.
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Ken Varga Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:11 pm
@Joseph E. Meyer,
Hi Joseph, the most important asset of any business is their customer. Successful business owners know that their greatest asset is their customer. They should treat their customer as if they were a dear friend and communicate with them on at least a monthly basis.
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July 15th, 2010 at 6:35 am
Ken
The Economy is geting worse by the day
small businesses are closing all over the country. Ken can you give me one suggestion that can assist a small business who is fighting to keep there doors open. I can be contacted at straightmoneyanalysis.com or phone # 386- 677- 8642
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Ken Varga Reply:
July 18th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
@Joseph E. Meyer,
Hi Joseph, I couldn’t tell you the one thing that would make the difference without getting into a detailed analysis about your business. But generally if a business is struggling to keep its doors open, it’s because its message is not reaching enough people. So if that’s the case, the solution would lie in what your message is (Is it a message your target audience wants to hear? Does it solve an urgent problem?) and does your message stand out enough from others to attract the audience you are targeting (no matter how great a solution or message you have, it doesn’t do much good unless the target audience sees you as distinct and superior). This is where I would start.
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