We've all heard of the 7 P's of Marketing? Well, perhaps you haven't.
That was one of the principles taught to us in marketing when I was studying the subject.
Now as you start to work in the field, you realize there are truth to those 7 P's.
There are one thing a lot of big organisations in South Africa neglect to do - in my point of view - and that is the P called People.
If you look up - marketing for dummies you'll find that it says - What are the important points of contact between your customer and your business?
As small business owners, we work really hard to perfect our brand and build a good reputation. But ultimately, it's going to be the experience people have with the people who represent your brand, that will make them give your brand a certain ranking in their minds. That's marketing BASICS, right?
For us small guys it's a bit easier, because we might only have a few employees working for us - therefore it's much easier to monitor how your receptionist or assistant is treating people either on the phone or when they enter the office / shop.
But - ouch - many times I've done my shopping in a big retail chain (and I wont give names cause this is not a name and shame blog) and dreading the person behind the counter. Many times, they don't acknowledge you, start talking to another colleague next to them and completely ignore you - as if you don't exist at all!
Now I'm one of those people who love other people. So, I always smile and make short conversation with all sorts of people when I'm out and about. But it's always such an awful experience when you're being ignored!
Then I wonder - how on earth do these guys keep their brands in tact? I saw many complaints about customers on various platforms about such encounters, but it's not as if the employees' attitudes change in any way.
As a marketer, I know it's so important to always treat your customers with utmost respect and always be polite and helpful.
I'd like to hear more about your viewpoints on this subject, cause it baffles me...
You're always welcome to have a cup of coffee with a marketing specialist, if you're interested to know how we can grow your business with Marketing Basics!
http://www.mpresifmarketing.co.za/wmenu.php
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