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Business follow-up isn't a "pane."

12/10/2018

 
Window cleaner
I have been an advocate of networking including Chamber mixers for quite some time. But I just experienced the best follow-up ever from an encounter at the Chamber of Commerce. This is an example we can all follow. 
​

As someone who is almost always curious I happened to be sitting in the Chamber offices when I saw a gentleman come to the counter. I asked what he did as he was just signing up for membership. It turns out he does window cleaning. 

I happened to mention that I had been wanting to have the absolutely filthy windows cleaned in my house since I bought it. In April. Yeah, it’s November. I procrastinate. We exchanged cards and I went on with whatever brought me to the Chamber. 
The next morning I got a text message and an email from the gentleman and the text message was branded with his company name. The Window Cleaning Specialists. Hmm. 
The text was just a simple follow-up saying he was happy to have met me. The email was similar but described some of the company’s services. Interesting - they also clean solar panels and do several other things. Neat. 
I really need to have my windows cleaned. Have I mentioned that I bought the house in April and window cleaning was the least of the previous owner’s worries? It’s November when I’m writing this. I’ll get around to it. It would be nice to see out the windows and all. 
Of course I want and need the services of The Window Cleaning Specialists, of course, but being the true procrastinator I kept the email and the text message, which I’m sure I didn’t respond to, and put The Window Cleaning Specialists in my “I better call them” brain cells. This portion of my think-o-matic is exceptionally crowded. 
A week later I got another set of messages indicating that the Window Cleaning Specialists would be happy to come and do a free estimate and I didn’t even have to be home. Hmmm. This got me to actually mention it to my wife. 
Now it’s a priority. I’ve been saying I was going to take care of this since April, you know. She asked me now and then what progress I’ve made on this and I keep telling her I haven’t forgotten about it. 
Oh and that free estimate, like everything else I had experienced so far, was branded with the company name and logo and was very professional. I got it via text and also email. I could easily set up an appointment and the professional estimate was very attractive looking and the price seemed fair. 
I figured I had nothing to lose. My windows are going to be cleaned and my wife is going to be happy. Well, so am I.  


Not surprisingly the work performed was as outstanding as the follow up. The Window Cleaning Specialists come in uniform and do a super job. I upgraded my service and got the screens cleaned. I can see out. It’s fantastic. 
And, the best, part, now I’m signed-up for quarterly cleaning where some of the neglect that has been the story of this poor house for a very long time will get gone. I can see out. My wife is happy. And it only took me seven months. 
But the most impressive thing is the follow-up and from The Window Cleaning Specialists was never intrusive, always polite and completely on point. It was professional in every way. And now I have someone whom I’m very happy to recommend. 
I also have a higher standard to achieve when I go to a Chamber mixer or other social gathering. 
Are you getting the kind of response you want from Chamber mixers? Perhaps it’s time you re-evaluate the kind of follow up you do. Thank you notes are never bad and emails are a big plus too. I’m not as big a fan of a follow-up phone call only because that’s an interruption of your prospect’s time on your schedule whereas an email can be read on their schedule. 
As for texts, I would always clear it with the prospect first and the Window Cleaning Specialist did ask if I prefer email or text - I said either is fine. He listened.
Robert Boccabella link
12/10/2018 10:39:10 am

Tony:

This a perfect example of what my Italian Grandparents referred to as "uno mano lave l'autra" (One hand washes the other).

You received superb services and responded with recommending his service to others. It doesn't get better than that till I use his service and do the same.(And I will on your recommendation.)

Beth Rudiger
12/10/2018 02:44:34 pm

Oh, that all our service providers were so organized, helpful, and polite! I am going to have to up my game!

I would like to add a word in defense of the phone call. Considerate phone calls from an actual person are so rare these days that I find when I call a prospective client, most of the time people are receptive and even grateful to me for taking the time to call. Mind you, these are not cold calls, these are calls to people who already expressed an interest in my product.

Maybe it depends on what generation the prospects are from; I don't know. I do try to call at times that are less apt to interrupt a meal or sleep.


Hear, hear to great customer service!


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    Tony Barthel

    Tony Barthel is passionate about great marketing for small businesses

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