Aug 22, 2018
In today’s world, we have the ability to communicate with each other in a myriad of ways. Text messaging, emailing and social media messaging have all become incredibly popular modes of staying in touch. However, all of them combined can’t replicate the experience of conversing with someone face to face. Without the use of hand gestures, facial expressions and other forms of body language, communication is much harder.
This is especially true for relationships between business owners and their customers. With so many different people making up your customer base, it’s neither easy nor practical to get to know each and every one of them personally. That is, of course, unless you’re seeing them in person on a regular basis. Reaching out through text, email or social media doesn’t quite allow you to develop the same kinds of bonds you’d have if you interacted more often in person.
“Facial expressions often communicate so much more than words.”
This from Rene Shimada Siegel on Inc.com: “We host consultant coffees and invite a handful of independent consultants to our office in order to better understand the nuances of each professional in a relaxed setting. We need to know what isn’t on the resume that makes each person unique. In their eyes and in their body language, we can see confidence, empathy, fear, friendliness or sincerity. That ability to ‘read’ a candidate beyond their keywords is a huge competitive advantage for us.”
For all of the above listed reasons, the TK Enterprises Inc. team advocates quite strongly for the in-person meeting. This is why we take such great pride in specializing in a one-of-a-kind service that brings jewelry store owners and their customers together. With the help of our Event Marketing services, jewelers all across North America have been able to enjoy increased growth in their customer relationships.
We call your customers directly.
Our experienced team of phone agents calls customers directly to offer them personal and exclusive invites to in-store events. The team also teaches about upcoming promotions and follows up on recent sales. The in-person interactions that are created as a result of our Event Marketing services have enabled our clients to not only grow their customer relationships, but significantly boost their sales as well.
One of the reasons for the higher sales numbers is the fact that happy customers result in more customers. When a happy customer promotes a company he/she has done business with, it counts for a lot more than a television commercial ever could. On Wistia.com, Margot Da Cunha references word of mouth promotion as an inevitable benefit of meeting customers in person.
There’s nothing quite like word of mouth promotion.
“Think about that individual who changes jobs and brings your software to each and every company she works for,” she writes, “Or the fellow who is so delighted by your line of kitchen appliances that every gift he gives is from that product line. This can lead to a lifetime of word-of-mouth marketing, and a superfan club of customers who will stay loyal with you until the end of time.”
For more information about our Event Marketing services, please don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-877-622-0195. You may also email us at heidi.tke@tomkaufmann.com or fill out the form on our Contact Us page and have someone contact you!
Aug 8, 2018
The phone is an interesting device, isn’t it? It has truly stood the test of time. In a world that currently houses such communication tools as social media accounts, messaging apps and email, the telephone remains the top way for businesses all across North America to stay in touch with their colleagues and customers.
Of course, not every telephone user is created equal. There are experts in the field of telephone communications and their skills are evidenced by some of the specific techniques they use to impress the people they speak to on the other lines.
How do phone agents endear themselves to customers they’ve never met before? Here are three ways:
1. They know when to speak and when to zip it.
Talented phone agents know that conversations are two-way streets. They make it a point to not do all the talking. Knowing that you have the attention of your callers includes hearing them out and not interrupting while they’re speaking. A back and forth dialogue is the best kind of conversation to have over the phone. It proves that your customer is engaged.
“Put yourself in the shoes of the customers – you do not want to be interrupted when you finally express your concerns, right?” asks John Taylor of Insights For Professionals, “Do not interrupt them when they are telling you their concerns. Make sure that you listen to the customer’s whole story no matter how long it can get. This alone will make them feel important.”
2. They know how to name drop the right way.
You know that thing that most people find annoying when it’s done in regular conversations? Yes, name dropping to project a sense of status can be perceived as unsavory. However, the most talented of phone agents know that dropping the names of the people they speak to over the phone is a key ingredient to their success. It expresses familiarity and friendliness. However, as Brandon Wong of CallPage explains, it’s important not to overdo it.
“Speaking on a first name basis removes barriers and builds rapport between the two parties,” he writes, “That being said, do not overuse this tactic…Use their names no more than three times in a conversation. It is a subtle, but effective technique to convey that the company is more than just a business, but a friend that can be counted on in the long run.”
3. They express empathy when necessary.
Some telemarketers fall into lulls when speaking to clients, forgetting that they are people with feelings. You’d be surprised to know how far an “I’m so sorry to hear that, I can understand your frustration” can go. Expressing empathy shows concern, respect and courteousness, none of which will go unnoticed by your customers.
“Do not tell a customer to calm down when he or she is madly complaining about a product or service as this will not help,” advises Taylor, “Instead, reassure the customer by telling them, ‘How awful’ or ‘I understand where you’re coming from’ in a slighter louder tone than the customer.”
At TK Enterprises Inc., we proudly employ a team of experienced and friendly phone agents who make our one-of-a-kind Event Marketing services so highly regarded. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about how you can take advantage of them for your jewelry store! Call us toll-free at 1-877-622-0195, email us at heidi.tke@tomkaufmann.com or fill out the form on our Contact Us page and have someone contact you!
Jul 25, 2018
“There’s No Business Like Show Business”. This title of a 1946 song, written by Irving Berlin, and later spawning a movie of the same name, has become a popular idiom all throughout North America. However, at TK Enterprises Inc., we’d imagine that retailers from all industries would agree on a slightly varied approach to that phrase: “There’s no business like repeat business!”
You’d be hard pressed to find a retailer who disagrees with the fact that a key to business success is securing long-term loyalty from customers. Repeat customers aren’t just great for a company’s regular sales numbers, they are often excellent advertisers for the businesses they support. Word-of-mouth promotion is widely heralded as the best kind of promotion any company can get!
So, how can you ensure that your customers keep coming back?
Implement changes based on their feedback.
Customers truly appreciate the feeling of being valued. When they offer suggestions or even lodge complaints, it’s important to take what they say seriously. Who better to listen to when it comes to figuring out ways to satisfy your customers than those very customers? Taking it from the horses’ mouths is an excellent way to increase customer satisfaction and thereby, securing repeat business.
On Inc.com, Rhett Power insists that accepting customer feedback is a top way to show customers you care. “Your customers are ready to give you their feedback, suggestions, and ideas,” he writes, “All you need to do it ask. For example, are you thinking of adding a new product? Give a sample to your best customers. Ask them to try it out, and give your their feedback. They may just save you from sinking money into inventory that won’t sell.”
Surprise them with sweetness.
Who doesn’t like getting a little something extra during the shopping experience? When you throw surprise perks the way of your customers, they won’t soon forget them. By offering out-of-nowhere discounts, providing free gift cards or even throwing in free gift wrapping, you stand to make big fans out of the people who support your brand.
“Although reciprocity works incredibly well on its own, research shows that it is even more powerful when started by surprise,” writes Greg Ciotti on ConvinceAndConvert.com, “For a simple example, recall a time that someone did something nice for you unexpectedly; the gesture probably wasn’t all that unusual, but the fact that it came out of nowhere left a strong impression on you.”
Invite them to exclusive events.
“Show your most valued customers you appreciate their business by inviting them to special events,” advises Power, “Perhaps you can give them a special offer on items they regularly purchase or access to an after-hours sale available to a chosen few.” At TK Enterprises Inc., we specialize in inviting customers to the special in-store events thrown by jewelers all across North America.
Over the past several years, we have made well over a million calls for jewelry stores providing us the experience required to develop a core team of callers and a proven system of calling. For more information about our one-of-a-kind Event Marketing services, please don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-877-622-0195. You may also email us at heidi.tke@tomkaufmann.com or fill out the form on our Contact Us page and have someone contact you!
Jun 13, 2018
It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. This is an idiom we’ve all likely heard several times over. It’s one of those sayings that is absolutely true. Tone and inflection means a lot to just about everyone. There’s a way to say “Have a nice day!” that conveys a sincere wish for a person’s enjoyable experience and a way to say that exact same phrase to convey a desire to see that person live a miserable existence.
Most of us know exactly what sarcasm sounds like.
We also know what boredom, indifference and agitation sound like as well. When you’re conducting business over the phone, it couldn’t be more important for you to master the ability to convey friendliness, interest and enthusiasm through your inflections and tone of voice.
“There are ways to say things so that a customer never forgets you and your pitch — they are called hooks and tone control,” says Grant Cardone on Entrepreneur.com, “No matter what you do for a living, at some point in your career you will rely on a phone to either introduce yourself or get an appointment. Other than your commitment and attitude about success, the telephone itself will be one of the single most important tools you use in building your brand, your company, and your revenues.”
Wording plays a major role in your ability to please customers.
Sometimes, the simplest change in your wording can mean the difference between keeping a customer and losing him/her forever. For example, you’re not always going to be able to provide your customers with exactly what they’re looking for. In many cases, you’ll need to provide alternative solutions.
The go-to thing to say, for most people, falls along the lines of “I’m sorry, I can’t do that for you”. Immediately, this communicates a negative response. Although it’s not untrue, it’s just not a statement that’s going to promote the growth of your customer relationships. Instead of responding solely in the negative, try responses that provide positive outcomes such as “While I may not be able to get that item to you by tomorrow, what I can do is ship a replacement free of charge.”
Keeping it positive is a key to strong customer relationships.
CallCentreHelper.com is a big proponent for using positive words and phrases. The website champions such responses as “That’s true, Sir/Madam, but…” in order to acknowledge a customer’s concerns. “The next stage would then be to demonstrate why there is no need to be concerned,” says the site.
“We can certainly do that for you, Sir/Madam” is another suggested over-the-phone phrase from CallCentreHelper.com. “Again, this statement is assertive and ‘certainly’ is a good positive word to use,” the website notes, “This is because using words with an ‘-LY’ ending is a little-known persuasion technique that many marketing agencies have recognized. Just think of the slogans to some of your favourite brands.”
At TK Enterprises Inc., we’ve mastered the friendly phone call!
With our one-of-a-kind Event Marketing services, you can have our experienced and highly motivated callers make personal phone calls directly to your customers to invite them to your businesses events, teach them about your promotions or follow up on a recent sale.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-877-622-0195. You may also email us at heidi.tke@tomkaufmann.com or fill out the form on our Contact Us page and have someone contact you!
Jun 6, 2018
There are tons of ways to promote your jewelry business. And unless you’re losing money in the process, there isn’t a particularly wrong way to advertise your brand. Okay, maybe there are some no-no’s out there (spam, for example, is not recommended). But, for the most part, a sound marketing strategy is bound to bring some new customers your way. Or is it?
In 2018, many creative marketing strategies exist. However, we’d argue that there is none better than the genuinely pleasant interactions your staff has with its customers. Happy customers make for excellent marketers. If your team is putting concerted efforts into ensuring that all customer experiences at your place of business are stellar, word is definitely bound to spread. And there’s simply no better type of promotion than word-of-mouth promotion!
Never underestimate the power of the first impression.
It all starts with the first interaction you have with someone who either calls or visits your jewelry store. If that person genuinely enjoys being there because of how you made him/her feel, you’ve likely made yourself a loyal supporter. More important than your products is the experience your store gave its visitor. This is especially true when a new customer calls your store for help. That phone call becomes a “make or break” situation.
“A customer who contacts customer support about their first order is just as important as a customer who contacts customer service about their tenth order,” says Steven MacDonald on SuperOffice.com, “Treat each customer with respect and take appropriate action. A happy customer is likely to tell at least three friends about a positive experience and great customer service leads to increased sales.”
Feedback is your greatest ally.
Who better than your customers to tell you how to improve your customer service practices? Never take feedback lightly. Constructive criticism can go a long way in improving your brand’s reputation. Quickly implementing changes based on customer feedback will show that you respect your customers and care about what they have to say.
“Yesterday’s customer feedback can be tomorrow’s golden ticket to success—with the right approach,” says John Oechsle on CustomerThink.com, “If numerous complaints were lodged about high prices, for example, a small business would be wise to consider marking items down. And if customers were inquiring about a product your store didn’t yet carry, consider taking steps to meet that demand.”
Let’s call your customers!
At TK Enterprises Inc., we work with jewelry stores across North America and have a customer-first mentality. In the past five years, we have made over a million calls for our clients and have proven that excellent customer service breeds long-term loyalty. With the help of our one-of-a-kind Event Marketing services, jewelry store owners are able to politely and professionally offer exclusive invites to upcoming in-store events.
Is there are a better way to show a customer you care than to offer a personal invite to a special event? For more information about our Event Marketing services, please don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-877-622-0195. You may also email us at heidi.tke@tomkaufmann.com or fill out the form on our Contact Us page and have someone contact you!
May 9, 2018
In today’s world, consumers want so much more than to simply find what they’re looking for in stores. Most shoppers are looking to develop genuine connections with the brands they do business with so that they can enjoy lifelong dependencies on their favourite stores to fulfill their needs.
Many consumers also enjoy bragging about stores they’ve “discovered” and they’re only too happy to recommend them to friends. As a jewelry store owner, it is vital that you take advantage of this. Know that it’s not enough to simply please the individuals who enter the front doors of your store. You need to work to build the relationships you have with those individuals once they exit those doors.
Make the phone your friend.
Back in the 1970s, Bell System used the motto “Reach Out And Touch Someone” to promote their services. This slogan came into even greater prominence in the 1980s when it was famously used as AT&T’s tagline. And, in 2018, while those advertisements are long gone, the phrase is still entirely true. When you put in efforts to reach out and make connections with individuals who have supported your business, you stand a much greater chance of securing long-term loyalty.
On Medium.com, Ahmad Iqbal explains that there are numerous benefits to calling your customers to show them your appreciation for their business. He insists that you offer your thanks, but also use the opportunities to provide your customers with exclusive information about your store’s offerings. That way, your phone calls of thanks will double as upselling opportunities.
“When you’re on the phone with a customer and you’re just broken the ice by thanking them for their trust in your business, you’ve opened a conversation with someone who falls within your customer base,” writes Iqbal, “If they have bought once, they are likely to buy again. By using the call to build report and get to know your customer better you will have a better idea of their needs and can suggest another product they might like.”
Calling your customers will generate positive reviews.
Let it be known that, these days, online reviews count for a lot. Most customers are quick to jump online in order to read customer reviews that will help them to make their buying decisions. By making genuine connections with your customers, you will encourage very positive reviews of your brand online. Studies show that this will help to boost sales.
“In a recent study, it was found that 70% of buyers consult reviews before making a purchase,” reports ConnectWithScout.com, “If you find the customer loves your product, make sure you send them a link to leave a review. It’s common knowledge that positive reviews act as social proof and lead to increased sales.”
Let TK Enterprises Inc. do the calling for you!
Our one-of-a-kind Event Marketing services put our experienced and highly motivated callers on the phone for you. They will make personal phone calls directly to your customers to invite them to your businesses events, teach them about your promotions, or follow up on a recent sale.
For more information about our Event Marketing services, please don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-877-622-0195. You may also email us at heidi.tke@tomkaufmann.com or fill out the form on our Contact Us page and have someone contact you!
Apr 25, 2018
The genius and renowned Alexander Graham Bell, a Scottish scientist who moved to Ontario, Canada and later to the Unites States, invented the first electronic telephone, that is essential in the present day. He worked at a school for the deaf while attempting to invent a machine that would transmit sound electronically.
According to History.com, though he is credited with its invention, Alexander Graham Bell refused to have a telephone in his study, fearing it would distract him from his scientific work.
He is famous for numerous inspirational quotes that have guided people through tough and influential times. “When one door closes, another door opens,” gives us the belief and courage to move forward on our endeavors, making us believe that there is no end to anyone’s story, just a constant beginning.
People underestimate the use of a telephone, especially from a marketing perspective, but it can better assist customers and allow a relationship to prosper. A telephone conversation allows a customer to instantly interact with someone and allow them to facilitate their personal needs and can take the time to be able to build a potential relationship. It is a great way to reach out to more customers and results in the continuation of building on going relationships. As a company, you want to ensure that your customers are being helped in the most personal way to express loyalty and commitment.
With social media rising at a rapid speed it can be overwhelming. Telemarketing is a source of advertisement that allows the ability to have a more personal touch with your customers, rather than just over a computer screen. Sure, a customer might have an easier access to apps, website and postage mail, but no questions are answered right away and needs are left forgotten.
A phone conversation allows immediate engagement between the customer and the company. People want to be able to communicate with someone verbally, allowing them to ask questions, ask if they have styles they are interested in or are looking for or markdowns and promotions that are happening. People are always looking for a good deal. It also allows the opportunity for the customer to buy more at the time of purchase.
TK Enterprises Inc.is the best way to exert your brand, events and services. Talking with people on the phone is the most efficient way to communicate and build a relationship with your customers. Telephone and event marketing can be difficult when there are millions of competitors and having a diverse market and keeping that market can be a struggle. TK Enterprises Inc. eliminates the daily workload of a business owner and their staff and allows them focus on their important everyday obligations. TK Enterprises Inc. can strengthen your brand by calling and connecting your customers to your in-store events, giving your customers increased product awareness with the personal touch they deserve.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-877-622-0195. You may also email us at heidi.tke@tomkaufmann.com or fill out the form on our Contact Us page and have someone contact you!
Apr 25, 2018
People who work on the phones every day are quite exceptional. Not only are they required to often go through the rigors of speaking to more than a hundred different people each day, they also must find ways to endear themselves to complete strangers. To do that, phone agents have to be masters of tone and inflection. They don’t have the luxury of facial expressions and hand to convey their messages.
At the end of the day, no matter what message is attempting to be communicated, it’s important that a phone agent is likeable. Without having the person on the other end of the line actually like the agent he/she is speaking to, the message will often get lost.
So how can you ensure that you’re super likeable on the phone? Here are three suggestions:
1. Smile before you dial.
Did you know that you can “hear” a smile through the phone? Try a little experiment for yourself. Take any written script and record yourself reading it as you would normally speak. Then read it a second time, but have a big smile on your face while doing so. Listen to the two recordings. Notice any difference? More often than not, your tone will automatically become more pleasant when you’re smiling.
On her Dental Phone Excellence Blog, Jayne Brady insists that smiles are used by dentists and their assistants when contacting their patients. “It is hard not to like a person who smiles but very easy to not like someone with no smile!” she writes, “Your patients know when you are smiling on the phone. They may not be able to see you but they can hear a smile!”
2. Do more listening than talking.
To be likeable over the phone, it’s integral that you remember that conversations are meant to be two-way streets. When you allow the person on the other line to express his/her points of view, it shows respect and an appreciation for his/her opinions. After all, the best way to serve your customers is to pinpoint their specific needs and wants. Being an active listener helps you to be an excellent customer service provider.
“Try not to interrupt or cut the other party off while carrying on a conversation,” advises Audrey Hunt on ToughNickel.com, “This is a habit that can and should be broken. Being a good listener is one of the most important rules for good communication. It takes a sincere desire and a good deal of practice to learn this skill but it can be done.”
3. Understand that chewing and chatting don’t mix!
You’d think that this tip wouldn’t be necessary. However, far too many people believe there’s no harm in leisurely chewing gum or even snacking while having their phone conversations. Don’t assume the parties on the other lines won’t notice. It should go without saying that chewing gum, eating food and drinking should be avoided when speaking on the phone.
“Never eat or chew gum while on the phone,” insists Hunt, It’s sometimes hard to understand what a person is saying with food in their mouth. Make it a practice to change this habit if you’re guilty.”
The TK Enterprises Inc. team is made up of phone agents who are masters of the above-mentioned tips. For more information about how our Event Marketing services can put our phone agents to work for your jewelry business, please don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-877-622-0195. You may also email us at heidi.tke@tomkaufmann.com or fill out the form on our Contact Us page and have someone contact you!
Apr 11, 2018
Texting, emailing and using social media – these are all incredibly popular ways of communicating these days. We live in a world where nearly everyone has a smartphone and, as a result, find ways to get in touch with family, friends, colleagues and co-workers without ever uttering a single word.
It’s probably a good idea to utilize the myriad of social media platforms that are out there to promote your brand. However, it would be a bad idea if you neglect the always-dependable telephone call as a chief source of communication between you and your customers. Believe it or not, your customers would still prefer that you call them.
Here are three reasons why:
1. It offers a more personal approach.
In today’s world, consumers want so much more than high-quality products and services. They value the relationships they develop with the businesses they support. This is why getting to know regular visitors by name and offering pleasant in-store shopping experiences is more important today than it ever was. Similarly, friendly conversations over the phone help to add a personality to your business that can’t be matched by texts and emails.
On MyCallFinder.com, Jeanne Landau explains that phone calls help to keep companies accountable. “When using a channel like email, chat, or social media to contact a company, the customer might not know who exactly is on the other end of the conversation,” she writes, “During a phone call, the agent will provide their name, which holds them accountable for the conversation that ensues.”
2. Information is received much quicker.
With the written word, only so much can be said so quickly. Texting and emailing requires the physical typing of words that simply can’t replicate the speed of a normal spoken conversation. For this reason, it automatically slows down communication. Customers who want immediate answers would much rather receive those answers in real-time than have to sit and wait for the words to be typed out.
“Humans generally speak at 125-175 words per minute and can listen at a rate of up to 450 words per minute,” explains Gregg Johnson of the Harvard Business Review, “In contrast, the average typist does 38-40 words per minute — and that’s on a full-fledged keyboard, not on a mobile phone. A consumer may prefer to make plans with friends over text message, or to order a pizza online, but when faced with a complex purchase, these preferences often change. “
3. Not everyone is a tech wizard.
With mobile devices and social media apps being so popular today, it’s easy to forget that there are many people who either don’t know how to use them or have no interest in trying. Going “old school” is just fine for a large number of people who feel a lot more comfortable speaking on phones than using modern gadgets.
“Though it may be hard to believe, there are plenty of people who still aren’t completely comfortable using modern technology,” says Landau, “They either don’t understand it and have no desire to learn or don’t trust it. Either way, they are completely content using only their phone to communicate with family, friends, and businesses that they patronize.”
At TK Enterprises Inc., our one-of-a-kind Event Marketing services put our experienced and highly-motivated callers to work for your jewelry store, making personal phone calls directly to your customers to invite them to your upcoming in-store events.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-877-622-0195. You may also email us at heidi.tke@tomkaufmann.com or fill out the form on our Contact Us page and have someone contact you!
Mar 7, 2018
It is often said that communication is the most important element of any strong relationship. As a jewelry business owner, it’s vitally important that you remember that each and every new individual who visits your store isn’t simply a potential customer – he/she is a new relationship waiting to happen. How do you spark that new relationship? By communicating, of course! It cannot be stressed enough that talking to your customers is integral to your store’s success.
Talking to your customers will help you to serve them better.
All too often, business owners see themselves as experts in their fields (no problem with that, at all) and forget that they can always learn more (that’s the problem). Because you can never stop learning, it’s wise to attain as much information about the members of your customer base as possible. And getting that information straight from the proverbial horses’ mouths is the best way to learn how to continually satisfy the needs of your customers.
“Brutal honesty from your customers will highlight what is preventing you from building something that delights your customers,” says C Todd Lombardo on Medium.com, “Many struggle with this type of customer interaction because you learn that you’re wrong. Who wants to be wrong? Learning where and how you’re off the mark just might allow you to discover what’s right for your customers. It’s okay to be wrong, just learn from it and move on.”
Getting to know your customers will diminish their hesitancy to spend money.
Developing relationships with the people who support your brand will go long way in generating revenue for your business. Although it’s important to express genuine kindness, your main objective is to form bonds that translate into repeat business. Simply stated, the more people trust you, the more likely they will be to spend money in your direction. As Peep Laja puts it on Kissmetrics.com, talking to your customers will lessen customer hesitations.
“You get to learn two very important things (among other stuff): the hesitations and questions they had before buying/signing up, and what matters to them about the product,” he writes, “The first bit helps you understand the friction in the buying process…The second bit helps you figure out how your customers use the product, and what matters to them when they’re shopping for it. This again helps you improve the way you sell, and improve the product/offer itself.”
Get us to do the talking for you!
At TK Enterprises Inc., we believe that we’ve mastered the concept of strengthening customer relationships via the good old telephone conversation. Our talented team of phone agents has many years of experience under its collective belt, calling customers on behalf of jewelry store owners to invite them to upcoming events, introduce them to new promotions or follow up on recent sales.
We’re elated to tell you that our Event Marketing services have worked wonders in growing relationships and inevitably sales numbers, as a result. For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-877-622-0195. You may also email us at heidi.tke@tomkaufmann.com or fill out the form on our Contact Us page and have someone contact you!
