Exclusive Viewpoint : Why don’t more SMEs have customer advisory panels? / EasyInsites

Welcome to'Exclusive Viewpoint' from theMarketingblog.

First time round we feature Charles Pearson of EasyInsites

There are several differences in SMEs vs. large companies which begins to explain why so little research is being conducted by SME's:

•Fast moving, creative and entrepreneurial

•Not a lot of time or money

•Have to succeed relatively quickly

•Generally can’t compete with the same approach as larger companies

•Critical importance of current customers

•Limited resources in-house

Do you have thoughts on this subject? Comment or get in touch with Charles :+44(0) 1483 549 418 after you have read his  'Exclusive Viewpoint' 

SME's : run a customer sat survey following up after each job is completed / Charles Pearson ,EasyInsites

Charles Pearson of Easy Insites says ... I have a friend who spoke with me this past weekend about a plumbing business he has just started, the starting point being a list he purchased from the owner of a previous plumbing business in the area.

After hearing about the business and the near term efforts to build a customer base, it made me think about a few relatively easy things that my friend could do to help build a successful business long term.  So, I thought I would share with everyone what I sent to my friend in a follow-up email …
Collecting email addresses is key, this should occur both when calls are made to the large prospect/customer list you purchased as well as each and every time you serve a customer.  If it is not collected by phone when the appointment is made, be sure to have your service technician ask for it.  These email addresses can be used for marketing purposes, be sure that there is an opt-out option that is clearly stated whenever you do an email marketing blast.