How many times has this happened to you?
It’s been a crazy busy day. It seems like you have a million things going on, and you do.
Someone wants to see you for something and you’re not sure what they have in mind. As it turns out they offer you a huge compliment and tell you that you are doing a great job.
You have an immediate sense of relief. Although you had no idea what they wanted to talk about, and had no reason to suspect anything negative, you’re thrilled and relieved the feedback was positive. It’s made your day all worth it.
Usually the member walks out and that’s the end of it. In fact, you probably have left a huge opportunity undeveloped.
Here’s how to make the most of a positive comment or feedback.
First, and this is becoming a lost art, be gracious accepting the compliment. To be gracious make sure you thank the person for the positive feedback and add what it means to you and why it’s important to you.
Next, and this will take a little practice, train yourself to think how you can use this feedback to help promote your business. We have found that approximately 75% of the positive feedback you receive can be used to promote your business once you have developed this mindset.
Once you recognize the feedback is something that will help you in your promotional efforts, ask the person giving you the feedback if they would be willing to write a Google review, or a written testimonial you can use.
If it is a testimonial make sure to ask them if you can include their picture with the testimonial in your promotional materials. Ninja trick: take the picture right then, immediately.
When they have agreed to a Google review, make it as easy as possible for them to leave that review while it is fresh on their minds.
A great option, and a wise investment, is to have a tablet available you can hand to the happy customer so they can leave the review right then.
Keep in mind that the more time between the comment and getting to a keyboard, the less likely they are to leave the review. People get busy and forget.
Besides Google, another option would be to ask them to leave a review on your Facebook page, or other social media that you use. Know where the comment would fit best in your marketing plans.
A word of caution here. Not all reviews or testimonials are equal.
The best testimonials and reviews from customers will be those that directly relate to and support your unique value proposition.
These are the reviews you want to promote heavily as they fortify your unique value position in the marketplace. It’s one thing if you say it, quite another, and more powerful, if a customer says it.
While it will take some time, practice developing the ability to immediately determine how to best use positive feedback to your advantage.
