This Business is About People

• March 21st, 2009
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Like last year, the common theme at Career Conference was relationships. It was stressed that this business is built on personal relationships and is not meant to be worked on paper or online. I think this is such an excellent point. People often ask me in regard to this blog if it has increased my sales or my business. The answer is an emphatic no and that is a good thing. The purpose of this site if for me to be accountable to myself and to provide information and possibly some inspiration to others in this business and businesses like it. This blog has strengthened and enriched my business in a way that has no monetary value. It has put me in touch with some amazing people who share similar goals and it provides a tremendous support system not only for me, but for those who read and comment as well. I have all of you who read and write your encouraging comments to thank for that.

Debi Moore said it best this afternoon when she said, “this is a people business, not a paper or computer business. It’s about people to people and eye to eye contact.” This business is all about the personal touch. Email and websites and newsletters become impersonal. I think they can make people feel like a number. Think of the enewsletters that go out to customers. They are a form letter, essentially. Many people probably just delete them. It’s our responsibility to contact them and see if they received it and if they have any questions. If they have it, they may already be interested in something. There have been many occasions in which I have called someone and she said she was thinking about me because she was out of something or saw something she likes. Maybe I’m psychic!

It was also stressed over and over and over again to treat everyone as though they have a sign around their neck that says, “Make me feel important.” This type of attitude is what they credited the brand loyalty rankings to. People feel important if their product is packaged like a gift and looks pretty. They feel important if they have a friendly consultant who is not just about the bottom line and truly cares about their needs. These things not only make them loyal to your product, but it makes them loyal to YOU. And, after all, a big part of what we sell is ourselves. They can go buy makeup or skin care from anyone. Give them a good reason why they should be loyal to YOU and the brand you sell!

Tags: Customer Service, Networking, relationships