There is a fine line between creating a welcoming mood in a store and smothering customers with too much attention. It can be difficult for some gregarious small business owners to be personable and homey without being overwhelming. It can also be difficult for introverted entrepreneurs to warmly greet complete strangers, especially when they have been interrupted in the middle of a project. However, the small business owner who gets it right will see his or her business thrive while similar businesses struggle to get customers.
Greeting Customers Is Essential
Some business owners think it is silly to say, "Hi," "Welcome," or "How are you today?" to people entering the store or office. Others, who have had such positive feedback to these greetings, realize how much customers value a little simple courtesy and caring.
A local small business employee talked about her experience with greeting customers. She said, "I'm pretty extroverted and I always say something like, 'Hi. How are you today?' to people who come in the door. I combine the greeting with eye contact and a smile. I didn't really think about it being important until one of them stopped in her tracks, turned around and walked back to thank me for asking. She said she'd been in several stores where no one even seemed to care that she'd walked through the door. She was window shopping, but I know she'll remember my store when she decides to make a purchase."
Business owners who still aren't sure whether they should waste time greeting customers may be interested by a statement a candy and gift store owner who has been in business many years made. She said that shoplifting in her store really become a lot less common after she began greeting customers when they came in the door.
Avoid Loud Music
Quiet music in the background or some soothing nature sounds are nice touches. Hard rock at ear drum popping decibels is not. Some consultants say that less soothing music gets people to make their purchases quickly. However, more than one of these people may hesitate to come back to the store if they felt uncomfortable while they were there.
Provide Customer Service
Some store owners still believe the old adage that says customers are always right. They treat each customer as if that person is the only one in the store or office as he or she is served. They listen to what the customer says and use proven listening skills, such as rephrasing the speaker's question, so the customer knows they are hearing what is being said. They may not always be able to give the customer what he or she wants, but the customer still is very aware that the business owner did genuinely listen and try to provide a solution to the problem.
Making customers feel welcome is really pretty simple. In fact, it is so simple, that it can be easy to overlook. If a small business owner treats customers as valued guests, those customers are sure to feel welcome and will be more likely to return for a second, or third, visit.
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