This is a subtle little stradegy that can make a big difference. Try to stop using the word 'customer'and start using the word 'client'.
Why? Because the word customer implies that they simply buy things from you. But the word client implies a close relationship in which you help the client.
It will change the way you and your employees perceive those that do business with you. After all, your clients are your most valuable asset in business. Without them you would be up the creek.
Start using the word client with your employees, in your flyers, and letters. Make your employees start using the word client.
Your clients are people that you care about and want to help. Customers are just people who buy from you and may or may not buy from you again.
Think of other businesses that use the word client. Why?
This is just a mental thing of course. But whats between our ears is what often times makes the biggest impact in our business.
Tell me what you think!!!
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
I do that a lot. Don't know if it has made a difference or not, but I do like the idea behind customer/client.
Posted by CJ Allan (Member # 52) on :
Some of the work I've seen around my area, the customers/clients, would more accuratly be refered to as "Victims"
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
I only have clients and have never referred to anyone as a customer. When selling a Killerkart, I refer to persons as potential friends because I know thats they will become after buying and using one.
I may sound a little eccentric at times but I always take care of my clients and never have to worry about another striper offering more than I do, as my service is second to none.
Posted by David Fisher (Member # 107) on :
Probably a matter of semantics really but... I had this discussion with my brother in law who is a solicitor, he was adamant that only "professionals" such as doctors, lawyers etc have clients. In his book all others have customers. This post rekindled my interest in this discussion from some time ago so I looked it up in my trusty MacQuarie dictionary with the following result: client /n. 1. One who applies to a solicitor for advice or commits his cause or legal interests to a solicitor's management. 2. One who employs or seeks advice from a professional adviser. 3. A customer. 4. Anyone under the patronage of another; a dependant 5. A recipient of social welfare payment.
Man I wish I'd had this dictionary with me at the time of the discussion. He can look forward to being unmercilessly corrected the next time we meet.
David
Posted by AdrienneMorgan (Member # 1046) on :
I've always prefered 'client'....now I know why! A Posted by Mark Matyjakowski (Member # 294) on :
I see the difference between customer/client as dependent on what's being sold, product or service. A client is someone you design and print a t-shirt for. A customer is someone who picks the t-shirt off a rack of shirts and buys it without saying a word.
Posted by Mark Smith (Member # 298) on :
Right on!
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
So, what is the correct term for doctors and lawyers?
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
