Growing Your Business in 2012 - Ding Dong

Today's guest blog is from Carol Ritter, of Caroltalks.com. 

Oh, BLACK FRIDAY, the crowds, the deals, the craziness, the free samples and even more. If you are a “super shopper” this is your big day of the year. The bags and bags of stuff followed by SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY and CYBER MONDAY. One might think this is marketing genius and it is.

I decided to venture out in the afternoon, not looking for anything special, just browsing. Parking was at a premium and after 20 minutes I found my spot for the day. I moseyed into a women’s clothing shop which advertised everything on sale. I was there about 10 minutes and heard a cow bell ring, perked up big time and began to wonder what was this about? I found the bargain of the day a beautiful camel jacket $200, marked down to $50 and then 50% off of that and it was in my size. I scooped it up and headed towards the cashier. I’m feeling like I won the bargain of the day. There were about 10 people in line and as I a patiently waited I heard a big ding and a big dong. The chatter began! What’s that noise? It’s so unusual for a dress shop. Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong! It’s almost bordering on annoying. As I make it to the front of the line, I overhear the cashier saying the magic words, “Thank you for shopping with us.” “Did you find everything you were looking for?” Ding dong, ding dong!! I’m right there and the cashier greets me with, “Thank you for shopping with us.” I felt so welcomed and so appreciated. Then she said, Our store is committed to children would you be so kind to donate to St. Jude's Children’s Hospital?’ I said, ‘Sure” (never say no to kids)...DING DONG, she proclaimed another generous person in our store. By the time I left I felt like this store really cared not only about the sale but about the greater community.
How do your customers feel when they leave your business? Do you teach them how to treat you? Friendliness breeds friendliness. Charitable hearts are irresistible and in this store they created an atmosphere that was much more than selling. 
It’s the holiday season, how are you ringing your bell?? 
Carol serves as a featured writer for the Home News and the Lehigh Valley Chamber Blog 
Carol is an accomplished professional speaker, coach and educational consultant specializing in innovative leadership, outrageous fundraising, million dollar marketing, and building organizational alliances throughout the country. Carol’s creative leadership with bullet proof ideas for recruiting MORE MEMBERS, MORE MONEY AND BETTER LEADERS. www.caroltalks.com 610-442-4545 tellkids@aol.com Visit Carol on Facebook at Caroltalks
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