farmer approached a small truck sales person to inquire about a pick-up, barely getting any attention. A few minutes latter, wads of notes carried in the most unorthodox of ways, in pockets, socks, pants etc, found their way into the salesman’s hands. The segregative salesperson would never have thought in the wildest of dreams that they would land a cash transaction for a vehicle from a ragged-looking farmer, but so is business. He was just lucky that there was no competitor nearby to take advantage of his poor customer service and teach him an unforgettable lesson! A customer is like a baby. At first they are young and have little information and at that time may not make you the star salesperson or the most respected company but the time invested in genuinely taking care of them irrespective of the depth of their pockets will pay off in future. Small time customers are the ones who grow into big time clients. Instead of waiting for them to come to you when they are big, you are safer growing with the customers. That way it is almost impossible to make them have product shifts, such that even when they have a complaint about your product they will not dump you instantly based on the mutual trust developed over the years. When they grow up and can afford
to buy even when they do not need, they will pay back your patience and trust with loyalty and understanding. In any business, a loyal client is worth a million francs in repeat sales and referrals. That is why businesses should look beyond the notes and coins in a customer’s wallet or purse when they walk in for their dear first time. Businesses should look at that customer like an opportunity to define their financial future, not a chance just to empty their pockets today. The crux of the matter is if the customer feels that he is valued he will try to validate himself by giving gratitude for that value and taking care of his accounts without unnecessary inconvenience to the business. That said, the customer is truly king; a king does not request for care, we owe it to them. More importantly, it might benefit them, but definitely as subjects do from kings, the business will benefit more from serving the customer well. TSM kelviod@yahoo.com
JUST A SMILE By Paradis Winslet
PHOTO by Sefa Nkansa
... the customer is truly king; a king does not request for care, we owe it to them.
Just a smile, Just a smile, It does not ask much, And does not cost a thing, Just a smile, as you sell me more, Just a smile to persuade me, Just a smile to gain my trust, You might not have the experience, But you have the will to learn, As you light up that face with a smile, Just a smile to show hospitality, kindness, care, As it comes from the heart, Not from the books, Without this simple, single little beautiful smile, Souls are darkened, others frightened, Customers shoved away, I like it better when you wear your beautiful smile, It makes you even more beautiful and makes me open up, And buy even more than I intended. For your warm welcoming smile, As you show that you care with that beautiful smile, I come back again and again. Just smile and the magic streams, Just smile, that’s all it takes, Just a smile! winparadis@yahoo.fr
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