Replace 5+ systems with one and save tons of money! Reach out to your "bad customers" and see if you can do better by "serving them better" That's right, give in to the ego and start listening to what they have to say. Chances are, they might hold the key to opening up new markets, and/or missed opportunities. Remember: We're in a recession and they are evolving too. Just as you're stuck with them, they may be feeling the same way. Your goal should be to take your worst customer and turn them into your "best testimonial". Think Southwest Airlines, Netflix, and Apple.
What to do?
- Talk to your "bad customers" (preferably face to face) and ask how you can better serve them. This will give you insight on what "the market is thinking", as well as how you can better serve their needs. Remember: check the ego at the door and be open-minded to every suggestion they have. You can sort things out later.
- Shop their problems to the competition. Create a profile of "your" customer's pain points and shop them to the competition. See how they deal with those issues. If they are poorly addressed, or not at all, there's an opportunity! If your competition is already addressing "your customer pain points" you may be losing business.
- Look at your business model and find ways to help your customers afford your products and services. Try different packages and promotions that specifically address your "pain point profile".
- Turn deal breakers into deal makers. Once you've figured out how to better server your bad customers, make sure you tell the world what you've done. Example: If you determine all your bad customers want is timely telephone support, as opposed to email support, make sure you boast about that to new prospects. You may find that's what closes the deal.
