Comments on Small Biz Survival: How to convert freebies into paying clients

Carl, thanks for coming by and commenting. You mak...

2008-05-19T07:23:00.000-05:00

Carl, thanks for coming by and commenting. You make an excellent point about how we all do this, to some extent. This has been an excellent discussion!

We have some discussion of the subject at MaineBus...

2008-05-19T07:16:00.000-05:00

We have some discussion of the subject at MaineBusiness.com. Basically we see free advice as a way to establish yourself as an expert in the field and build relationships.

We're all "freebies" at some point. We surf the Internet for advice on blogging platforms. We cruise the Big Boxes to figure out how to install flooring ourselves. We walk into stores trying to figure out which camera to buy. We call attorneys to figure out how to handle our wills. How do we like to be treated at this stage?

I like Becky's ideas on doing this in as efficient manner as possible.

Giving free customer service, help, advice and tim...

2008-05-11T11:49:00.000-05:00

Giving free customer service, help, advice and time to someone not a customer helps you just as much as it benefits them. In turn, not doing it hurts you and your reputation much more than it hurts them. They can go elsewhere. You have lost the opportunity to develop a relationship with this person.

A couple of friends responded on Twitter, when I a...

2008-05-11T11:45:00.000-05:00

A couple of friends responded on Twitter, when I asked, "Are prospects entitled to good customer service, or do you reserve that only for paying customers?"

Shama Hyder "I really believe in that saying-The true worth of a person is how he treats someone who cannot benefit him."

GrantGriffiths "short answer, yes. It benefits you just as much as them."

Who qualifies as a customer, entitled to good serv...

2008-05-11T11:28:00.000-05:00

Who qualifies as a customer, entitled to good service? I think it's anyone whose actions affect your results. Credit Steve Yastrow for that definition.

It's quite possible to be nice, give good service, but to limit that unpaid interaction.

Zowoco, thanks for commenting! I'm glad to have your perspective.

It is arguable whether a prospect is a customer be...

2008-05-11T09:06:00.000-05:00

It is arguable whether a prospect is a customer before they pay and therefore whether they are entitled to good customer service.

If I visit a hotel for afternoon tea I do not expect free service, so why should these prospects? They are simply taking the mick and should be dispatched summarily!

Thanks, Denise. You've really expanded on being sm...

2008-05-10T14:43:00.000-05:00

Thanks, Denise. You've really expanded on being smart about how you give away info. Most of us are givers by nature, and this is one technique to use that to your advantage in business. Glad to have your insight and experience.

Great advice. I think it's also important to make ...

2008-05-10T14:38:00.000-05:00

Great advice. I think it's also important to make sure people know that what they are asking for is something you actually sell. You can give away general "what" information, but sell the "how to" information. By giving stuff away and not placing value on it, you're perpetuating the belief that some people have that they don't have to pay for expert advice. We get many emails every week asking us for help with blogs or to look at a blog and give feedback. We reply that we'd love to help them and we offer a blog critique service or extreme blog makeover and direct them to the appropriate links to submit payment. Some people make the investment and some don't.

This is an important issue for small business and entrepreneurs to understand so they can make a living and get paid what they're worth.