Humor can help you stand out from the herd to be heard like never before!
If you want to build a more loyal client base and boost sales, a little humor can go a long way. Here are eight ways to make an impression with your clients in a fun way:
Stay in regular touch. Pop in for a visit for no reason, send them an article that Might interest them or mail a card to celebrate an unusual occasion (for example, March 2nd is National Salesperson’s Day, September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day or there’s Take Your Teddy Bear to Work Day on October 11).
Add some safe humor to your ads, business cards, web site or marketing materials. Humor sells, in fact 75% of award-winning ads used humor. Humor can break down
barriers, helps people connect at a more human level, and grabs people’s attention. In one study, when salespeople included a safe cartoon along with their mail outs, response rates increased by 15%!
Celebrate your clients’ victories and successes. Recognizing their business and/or personal achievements in a fun way can go a long ways towards building a long- term partnership.
Say “Thanks for the memories!” A simple way to convey the message that you are not taking your client’s business for granted is to follow-up with a thank you card, phone call or small, but fun gift to show your appreciation for their business.
Add some fun to your voice mail. WestJet Airlines keeps people smiling while on hold with a running commentary of humorous banter, jokes and trivia. The on-line photo sharing website Shutterfly offers a “pirate option” at the end of their automated voice mail options.
Use humor to celebrate your blunders and bloopers. Laughing at ourselves (when appropriate), sends the message to clients that you are human, you know you erred and that you can admit your mistakes.
Hold fun contests that include your clients and customers.
Invite clients to your own internal celebrations and events.
Keeping a professional image, making an extra effort to be available and responsive, and going the extra mile by adding some safe, appropriate humor into your business mix will go a long ways towards helping you stand out from the herd, boost your sales and have more fun, all at the same time!
Michael Kerr is a Hall of Fame speaker and the author of 8 books, including The Humor Advantage and The Jerk-Free Workplace. www.mikekerr.com .
