As an entrepreneur, I learned that marketing communication skills are the predecessors to making effective sales.
My belief is that in public we all need to take precaution to be diplomatic which requires careful choosing of words. As I matured, I learned not to send out verbal or written messages hastily that I later regretted.
Another strategy I learned is to consider input from all angles whether you agree, disagree or become just plain angry. There is always something to learn. Case in point – it took me a year to self-publish my first book. By the time it was ready for market, I proudly felt as if I had just given birth. Yet someone meanly told me the second week it was out, “If your book were any good a publisher would have picked it up.” Of course I was angry inside, but I told the fellow “You are right”. That’s the how and why Sourcebooks received my manuscript and turned it into “Nice Girls DO Get the Sale” which now sells worldwide.
Moral of the Story: Anger is a waste of energy; find a solution instead.
Lastly, I still believe that when there is some fairly reasonable discontent, it is best to find a mid-way point to ensure a high level of satisfaction and good word of mouth to spread. Your business depends upon your customer service policies. Working to ensure client satisfaction brings many benefits: building of relationships, business development is a breeze bringing about additional prospects and clients, you are perceived as a leader, deeper respect comes about, and referrals and testimonials are readily given.
Adapting the right mindset toward customer service will have you soon enjoying a very Smooth Sale!
