“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” – Bill Gates
Success isn’t just about selling a product or service; it’s about understanding and serving the needs of your customers. This approach, known as servant selling, focuses on adding value and enriching your customers’ lives.
Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS shoes, didn’t just sell shoes; he sold a promise of social responsibility – for every pair sold, another would be donated to a child in need. This model not only attracted customers, but also created passionate advocates for the brand.
As an entrepreneur, adopting a servant selling mindset means shifting your focus from transactions to relationships. It’s about understanding your customers’ needs and going above and beyond to meet them. This approach builds trust and loyalty, turning customers into long-term advocates for your brand.
To practice servant selling, start by listening to your customers. Understand their challenges, desires, and feedback. Then, think about how your product or service can genuinely improve their lives or solve their problems.
Action Step: Identify one way you can add more value to your customers this month. It could be through an enhanced service, a new feature, or even a simple gesture of appreciation.
By serving your customers well, you’re not just building a business; you’re building a community of supporters who believe in what you do.
To learn more about how servant selling can improve your business and create lasting impact, be sure to check out our book of the week: “To Sell is Human” by Daniel Pink.