Psst! This is part 2 in the series! For part one, click here.
#2 – Create specific timelines and then beat them.
Recently, my hubby and I had to replace our crappy living room couches. We ended up order the replacements from a local furniture store that we went to only because our options are slim with living in the sticks. We were told to expect them to be delivered in six weeks.
We kind of expected that it was going to take awhile, but we weren’t super thrilled about as the date. It landed exactly the day before my due date to have baby #6. NOT the best of times when you are planning a homebirth, right?
Imagine how thrilled we were to get a call two weeks later saying that our furniture was on its way to be delivered! The sales girl pulled some strings to get our order completed sooner because she knew we were about to a baby. Our minds were blown! We had no idea she was going to do this for us or that she even cared.
Apply this ‘beat the timeline’ principle to your business by outlining a very timeline with your clients in your policies and/or welcome packet. For example, expect blog post to be up within X days of session, order to be placed by X, order delivered by X.
Give yourself enough timeline wiggle room to beat your outlined, public timeline without having to be a total crazed nutjob. Then proceed to exceed your client’s expectations.
“Pull strings” for your clients not because they ask, beg, whine, or demand them. Make magic happen when they least expect it but could really use it. Observe their needs and wow ‘em by exceeding those expectations.
#3 – Give your clients a recommend vendors list after their session.
Vendor ideas:
If you don’t dig framing in-house, do a little research in local frame shops and give your favorites, complete with a recommendation of why you love those particular stores.
Give clients website links of places they can use their digital files.
Provide a list of interior designers that might be willing to help the client do wall arrangements.
Give the phone number of a handy man who is skilled in hanging frames & canvases. (Not all hubbies are handy, right?)
If you can, Include discounts or booking incentives from the businesses (after you build a relationship with them, they might be more than happy to have a custom coupon just for your clients!)
Best of all, this tip is a once-and-done item. Do the research, make a PDF, and send it along to every client with their order. No special work or customizing, and it serves the client best!
Help your clients make sure that their swoon-worthy session images make it up on their walls and not resting up against the wall on the bedroom floor like someone I know! ::hangs head in shame::
XOXO,
Alicia
