Your NUMBER ONE Source for Sales

Your current customers are your number one, two, three, and so on source for sales. They have already purchased from you, and are the most likely prospects to purchase again.

Get their names and addresses. Ask them if you can have their email address to send information about future sales, product updates, special things. Get their fax number, too.

I can't stress this enough. Your customers bought from you at least once, either online, offline, or in a brick and mortar business. You MUST keep in touch with them. They are special and you must show them that they are special.

How refreshing and unusual for a person that you purchased something from to call or inquire by email as to whether you got the product or service and whether you were satisfied with it. I always remember those vendors, and wish to do business with them again.

(I went to a local real estate company last year to purchase a HUD property. I went to them because they had tried very hard to sell my own house a few years ago and then I decided not to move. Anyway, the HUD house was sold, and the agent did not even ASK FOR MY NAME. I have a house that I want to sell in a couple of weeks, but I would never go back to that real estate company.)

Here are some ideas:

1. Personalize your mail, either direct or email or fax. Make it addressed to them personally. Or, telephone them.

2. Give them something of value just to let them know that you still exist and appreciate their patronage. It might be a free report, 3 or 4 pages long and pertinent to something they either purchased or are interested in; an ebook; a buy one-get one free coupon. Use your imagination. Look around you and put yourself in their place.

3. If you know their birthday or anniversary, send them a card. If you see something in the local paper about them, send it to them.

4. My daughter, who works for a candle manufacturing company, suggested that anyone who apply's there for a job be given a candle, whether or not they are hired. (a discontinued candle would be appropriate here). Now, whose candles are these people likely to buy when confronted with many different candles at their local Wal-Mart?

5. Do you have a Bath store? How about a report entitled "Seven Scents to soothe your Senses" ? Or maybe a small personal soap when they come in for the first time (with a coupon or letter).

6. Do you sell Money Making Courses or Ebooks online? Many sellers give personal consultations or free books as an added incentive for buying their products, but why not follow up with additional goodies?

7. A polititian once sent me a notice from our local paper announcing the birth of my daughter Cherie. Who do you think got my vote the next time around?

Just keep in touch.