We’ve all heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” However, when it comes to business, unnecessary extras often end up in the trash. Businesses frequently add bells and whistles to their products and services, hoping to differentiate themselves from competitors. While these additions might seem appealing, they often fail to add real value. Let’s explore how these extras, or trash, are perceived by customers and how to avoid them.
Read more: Less is More: The Power and Unrealized Value of Simplicity
In today’s competitive marketplace, where consumers have access to almost anything imaginable at their fingertips, creating memorable customer experiences is essential for businesses looking to stand out. This is true for both brick and mortar establishments as well as online enterprises. For any business owner in search of inspiration for ways to improve the experience of their customers, they need only to conduct a simple reconnaissance mission of a successful brand and they’ll likely come away with at least a good idea or two. If you’d like to start off on a smaller scale for your business, however, there is one simple–yet overlooked tactic that’s both easy to implement and won’t cost you a dime. It’s the practice of addressing your customers, by name, during each interaction. This gesture serves as more than basic etiquette—it plays a role in shaping customer perception of your business.
Read more: Using the Customer's Name to Enhance the Customer Experience