Written by admin on January 14th, 2009

Competitors? No Sweat!

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How to Use Your Competitors! In a previous blog entry, I mentioned that competitors can bring you business.  This was the results I gathered, after some observation of Singapore’s Sim Lim Square, and also from my previous work life.

There were 3 art framers on the same floor where I worked.  And where I (the shop) was in the middle.   When frames run out (or other reasons), it’s very easy to recommend other frame samples until all are shown and tested.

And it’s also very easy for the customer to tell me they will re-consider and leave with a “Thank you” and nice smile.

But I was NOT satisfied.  I wanted to see the customer through!

I made a daring move of suggesting the customer meet a competitor framer.  Afterall, both competitor framers are on friendly terms with me.

There were fleeting moments where I half-expected my ex-boss to turn up but I made up my mind that the only way to deal with it is to be upfront, and to explain why I was doing what I was doing (if he ever turned up).

One customer got what she wanted from the competitor framer.   2 weeks later, she turned up and said HELLO to me in her cheeriest of voice.   Boy, was I suprised!

Customers who can get what they want done because you helped them, will always remember the effort you put in to serve them!  Even when you referred them your competitor!

If customers see that you’re good in customer service and can see that you’d do anything to give them a memorable service, they’d be very likely to come back to you!

I’ve also seen customers who are so apologetic (they said they wasted my time to which I quickly disagreed) that they came to me weeks later with a friend in hand.  Another customer to recommend to me!

Competitors are NO SWEAT.  In fact, they might even refer you business especially if they have a long list of “uncompleted work” not done, and especially if the service need to be completed before a festive deadline.

If you’re good at what you do, there’s no fear of competition.   Always keep reviewing trends and what your business needs (be it blogging or other trade/money-making opportunities you’re involved in).

Lisa Barone mentioned in SmallBusinessSEM.com said,”You earn customers’ trust….by pointing customers to competitors when you can’t give them what they need.”

Wisest advise I heard in the last 12 months!  This is something my ex-employer was afraid to do.   And they can’t be more wrong!

Afraid of ghosts competitors?  You shouldn’t!

Have you ever referred customers to another rival?  Did your employer find out?  Talk back by commenting or trackback!