90 Days After The Sale Is Sooooo Important

In the narrative of customer success, the customer should emerge as the hero of their own story. This involves going beyond the initial transaction and actively helping customers realize the full potential of their purchase. Whether it's guiding them through product features, offering additional resources, or addressing post-purchase concerns, businesses have an opportunity to empower customers to be the heroes of their own success stories.

By ensuring that customers feel supported and equipped to overcome challenges, businesses create a narrative where the customer is the protagonist, showcasing the positive impact their product or service has on their journey. This approach not only enhances the customer experience but also fosters a sense of loyalty and appreciation.

Trust is the cornerstone of any enduring customer relationship. The 90-day period after the sale is a critical window where customers assess the level of support and commitment from the business. Actively engaging with customers during this time, providing timely assistance, and addressing any concerns that may arise showcases a commitment to their success beyond the initial transaction.

This sustained support builds trust by demonstrating that the business is genuinely invested in the customer's satisfaction and ongoing success. Trust is not only earned through the quality of the product or service but also through the reliability and accessibility of the support provided.

In the age of social media and online reviews, satisfied customers can be powerful advocates. Making customers heroes of their own stories creates a ripple effect where they are more likely to share their positive experiences with others. This word-of-mouth marketing is a potent tool for influencing potential customers and shaping the overall reputation of a business.

Businesses that actively support customers beyond the sale not only create satisfied customers but also foster a community of advocates who willingly share their success stories. This influence extends far beyond the 90-day mark, contributing to long-term brand loyalty and attracting new customers based on the positive experiences of existing ones.

Beyond the initial transaction, businesses have the opportunity to contribute to the narrative of their customers' success stories. In doing so, they not only build trust but also wield a powerful influence that extends far beyond individual transactions, shaping the perception of their brand in the eyes of both current and prospective customers.

Have a great week!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

3 Questions To Answer For Others

In the realm of professional relationships and leadership, building influence is an art that revolves around understanding and responding to three fundamental questions: Do I like you? Do I trust you? And, how can you help me? In this blog post, we delve into the significance of these questions and how answering them strategically can pave the way for impactful influence.

At the heart of building influence is the human element. People are more likely to be influenced by those they genuinely like. Establishing a personal connection goes beyond shared interests or affable conversations; it's about empathy, understanding, and authenticity.

Answering the "Do I like you?" question involves showcasing your genuine self, actively listening, and finding common ground. Authenticity builds bridges, fosters rapport, and lays the foundation for a positive and lasting connection. Whether through shared experiences, where we meet with others, humor, or simply being approachable, making an effort to be likable is a crucial step in building influence.

Trust is the bedrock of influence. Without trust, any attempt to influence others is likely to fall flat. Answering the "Do I trust you?" question involves consistently demonstrating reliability, honesty, and integrity.

Leaders who prioritize transparency, deliver on promises, and admit to mistakes when they occur earn the trust of their colleagues. Trust is a delicate commodity that takes time to build and can be shattered in an instant. Therefore, leaders must be intentional about cultivating trust through their actions, decisions, and communication.

In the professional realm, influence is often intertwined with the value one brings to the table. Answering the "How can you help me?" question involves showcasing your skills, expertise, and the tangible benefits you can offer to others.

This is not about self-promotion but about understanding the needs and aspirations of those around you. By actively seeking opportunities to contribute, solve problems, and support others in their endeavors, you position yourself as a valuable resource. Influence is a reciprocal exchange, and by consistently demonstrating your ability to contribute, you solidify your position as someone worth listening to.

Building influence is a nuanced process that requires a thoughtful approach to interpersonal dynamics. By proactively answering the three key questions – Do I like you? Do I trust you? How can you help me? – individuals can cultivate meaningful connections, establish credibility, and position themselves as influential leaders.

Remember, influence is not about manipulation but about creating a positive impact. Whether you're a leader, a team member, or sales professional, taking the time to genuinely connect with others, build trust through your actions, and consistently provide value will set you on the path to becoming a person of influence in your professional sphere.

Have a great week!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

How To Make A Profit In Business

In business, the pursuit of profitability remains a primary goal for entrepreneurs and organizations alike. To achieve sustainable success, it is crucial to adopt strategies that focus on optimizing profits. In this blog post, we will explore three fundamental factors that contribute to maximizing profits: understanding the sales price minus costs equation, conducting thorough market research, and scaling the workforce strategically. By implementing these strategies, you can pave the way for increased profitability and long-term growth.

1.     Sales Price Minus Costs: One of the fundamental principles of profit maximization is the calculation of the sales price minus costs. To determine profitability, it is essential to analyze the revenue generated from sales and subtract the costs associated with producing or delivering the product or service. By understanding and carefully monitoring this equation, you can identify areas where costs can be minimized without compromising the quality or value of your offering. Regularly review your expenses, negotiate with suppliers, and explore more efficient processes to optimize your profit margins and you will succeed at managing good profits so you can invest back into your organization.

2.     Doing Homework on the Market Place: Market research is the backbone of any successful business. Understanding your target market, customer preferences, and competitive landscape allows you to position your product or service effectively and identify opportunities for growth. Conducting thorough market research enables you to identify the pricing sweet spot—finding the balance between competitive pricing and maintaining healthy profit margins. Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor strategies to gain insights that will inform your pricing decisions and allow you to maximize profitability.

3.     Scaling Workforce Strategically: While expanding your workforce may be necessary to accommodate business growth, it is essential to approach it strategically to avoid unnecessary costs that may eat into your profits. Rapidly scaling your team without careful consideration can lead to bloated overheads, inefficiencies, and potential cash flow challenges. Instead, evaluate your business needs and growth projections, and scale your workforce accordingly. Consider outsourcing certain functions or leveraging technology to automate tasks and streamline operations. By scaling strategically, you can strike a balance between productivity, cost-effectiveness, and profitability.

Maximizing profits in business requires a strategic approach that encompasses several key factors. Understanding the sales price minus costs equation enables you to optimize your profit margins by minimizing expenses while maintaining the value of your offering. Thorough market research helps you position your product or service effectively, identify competitive pricing, and identify opportunities for growth. Scaling your workforce strategically ensures that your business remains agile, efficient, and cost-effective. By implementing these strategies and continuously evaluating your business model, you can pave the way for sustainable profitability and long-term success. Remember, profitability is not just about revenue generation; it's about creating a solid foundation that supports growth, innovation, and a thriving bottom line.

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

Does Your Organization Answer The Second Customer Buying Decision?

Have you been disappointed by the lack of customer service lately?  Has it affected your decision to buy from this place of business again?

Have you ever decided not to buy a product or service because of the reputation of the organization?

I recently ordered some workout gear from an organization that I often do business with.  I ordered the products and received the shipping information and for a week with no shipment info.  When I reached out to this organization, they informed me they would ship out a new order for me.  A week later nothing.  I tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, but after weeks of trying to figure out why my products were not shipping, I reached out once more to find out that the replacement order was never placed.  This was exhausting follow up that was very discouraging.

If an organization builds a reputation of poor customer service, unethical practices, bad quality, etc., they are not going to be the organization with the large value proposition to customers.  Organizations often try to cut corners to save a few dollars, that end up sacrificing millions in the long run.  Truth be told that if organizations are not providing exceptional value they are a commodity.  There are other options to buy similar products and services.

With the onset of Millennials in the workforce we are seeing a trend of them working for organizations that align with their values more so than just to collect a paycheck.  This same demographic is also the largest demographic of individuals in US history.  This demographic of individuals stive to work for organizations that align with their personal mission statements.  Millennials want to make sure they are going to help society by working with and for these organizations.  It is imperative that organizations recognize this and make sure they are selling themselves as well as their products.

These same Millennials are also purchasing products and services from organizations.   If the organization does not align with the Millennials goals, guess what, they won’t buy from these organizations.  Again, the largest demographic in US history means the largest buying power.

How do organizations make sure they are selling what makes them unique to the customers?  Organizations should use the same process they use to sell their products and services correctly.  They answer the needs of the customer.  What does the organization offer that will help the customer “WIN?” 

When we look at our organizations whether they are for profit or non-profit, we need to see what we do well.  Do we offer online SEO plans to help customers get quicker growth on the internet marketplace?  Do we have solutions to handling ecommerce for the customer’s products and services online?  What does our organizations do to enable personal growth of our customers?   Do our organizations donate a large part of our profits to help society?  Each of our organizations offer solutions that are vital, but it is up to us to define those game changer answers to the customer’s needs.

What does your organization do well to help the customer?  It just may save your organization in the long run. 

Put your answer in the comments below in this blog as I love to hear how organizations answer the customer’s needs.

Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Kevin Sidebottom

“Businesses wonder why the majority of their sales teams struggle at winning profitable business.  I teach your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate more sales with high margins!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com