Posted on: 03 December, 2001
Author: Meredith Pond
In order to increase sales and help your business succeed, youneed to put your name in the minds of customers. You need tocreate a relationship with them so that the next time they needproducts or services like yours, you're the first one they thinkof. These ideas sound simple, of course, but they may be easierto talk about than to implement. So how do you create the customer relations that everyone talksso much about? Well, there are a number of ways, includinggiving great customer service, offering customers a good value,and building a fun, down-to-earth, or warm and fuzzy image. There is another way, however, to solidify your image as acustomer-friendly business that you may not be thinking of. Likethe other methods, it's not very difficult, but it does involveone four-letter "F" word: FREE. Giving away free stuff, even if it's just your advice, showspeople that you're willing to help them out-- that you're more ofa friend than someone vying for their business. Freeinformation your customers can use, free samples of your product,or vouchers for food or travel can make great incentives thathelp your customers remember you. For example, a New York Burrito near my office recently startedgiving away "Burrito Bucks." These green, almost dollar-sizedcoupons are good for one dollar off any purchase. Right now, oneof these is sitting on my desk, right in front of me where I cansee it. It serves as a reminder that New York Burrito is willingto give ME a freebie, and as a result, the next time I forget topack a lunch that's exactly where I'm going to go. If NYB canget me to spend five dollars in there, giving me a buck off willhave been worth it. This is especially true since I'll probablygo back more than once, even without the discount. Giving away free stuff is a great way to drum up immediatebusiness, plus make a lasting impression that will bring resultsfor a long time to come. Article Tags: Giving Away Free, Away Free Stuff, Giving Away, Away Free, Free Stuff Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com