Customer Service Information

Create Win-Win Deals With Your Competitors


In the competitive world of the 20th century, we generally viewed competitors as the enemy. And a competitor was anyone who sold to the same target audience as us - even if they sold a different item. After all, since there was a finite group of customers and a limited amount of money, if they spent it with your competitor, there was less for you.

Fast forward to the 21st century. We have a different view of the world. We now recognize that the pie is big enough for all of us. As Cavett Robert, co-founder of the National Speakers Association, said "The number of slices of pie is only limited by the size of the pie. Just make the pie bigger!" (paraphrased)

So how can you and your competitors create deals that benefit both of you - and your clients? Here are a few ideas:

1. If your competitor sells a product that is similar to yours, joint venture on a mailing to the list of people who have already purchased their product. You can offer your product and share in the profits. People in a target market are rarely satisfied with one item; instead, they will continue to buy items that are similar.

2. If your competitor publishes a book, ebook, or website, ask them to refer people to your site as a resource site. This can be included in their product or as a follow-up email to their clients.

3. If you offer a member site, ask your competitor to refer people to your site - for an affiliate commission. For example, SellYourBrain.com is a member site that helps people finish information projects like ebooks. The natural competitors are ebook authors who tell people how to write ebooks. However, by their referring their purchasers to SellYourBrain, the client is more likely to finish their ebook - making the ebook author look better in their eyes.

4. In turn, offer your competitor's product for sale on your member site. Again, SellYourBrain offers a monthly discount coupon good toward the purchase of ebooks on how to write ebooks.

5. When you're interviewed for a story about your product or service, offer to give the reporter related resources. The reporter will love having additional people to round out the story and your competitors will appreciate your referral. You come out as the hero to both groups.

Joel Christopher, noted online list-building expert, uses the phrase "co-opetition". That's a good word to adopt. Look for ways to build cooperation with your competition - so that your clients and prospects are the winners.

Dr. Jeanette Cates is an Internet strategist who works with experts who are ready to turn their knowledge and their websites into Gold. Her reputation as a speaker and trainer has earned her the title of The Technology Tamer. Jeanette shares her news and views in OnlineSuccessNews.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Jamil Hamady kept businesses focused on customer service
The Flint Journal - MLive.com, MI - 2 hours ago
"He really knew customer service, I guess was a huge thing for me," said Uelmen, now a dietitian. "That really helps me now with my patients. ...


NEW POST - Does YOUR customer service measure up?
Inside Retailing, Australia - 3 hours ago
The entire organisation (using the 7-S framework) is designed to deliver customer service – in its structure, in its systems – in totality.


BRIEF: Comcast launches customer service improvements in Greeley
Trading Markets (press release), CA - Oct 11, 2008
Comcast recently launched several customer service enhancements in the Colorado that will improve the way the company serves Greeley, according to a Comcast ...
As utility rates increase in Duluth, Minn., so do number of shut-offs Trading Markets (press release)
Hard times, but furniture makers not sitting tight Trading Markets (press release)
all 179 news articles


Embrace customer service
Sunday Vision, Uganda - Oct 11, 2008
I read with sadness Davies Kamanzi’s letter in The New Vision of September 12, entitled “customer service vital for businesses”. He had gone to bank school ...


DMV customer service centers closed October 13 (Columbus Day) for ...
The Daily Kenoshan, Wisconsin - Oct 11, 2008
Division of Motor Vehicles' (DMV) customer service centers and phone centers throughout Wisconsin will be closed for business on Monday, October 13, 2008, ...


Melissa & Doug's Sky High Customer Service
The Consumerist, NY - Oct 11, 2008
The Melissa & Doug toy company helped Tracey's daughter pick up the pieces after she accidentally crashed her month-old block plane into the ground, ...


Independence Blue Cross Celebrates Customer Service Week
MarketWatch - Oct 9, 2008
PHILADELPHIA, Oct 09, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- In recognition of National Customer Service Week, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) honors its more than ...


RBA rate reduction praised by small business
The Australian, Australia - 10 hours ago
Industry experts say the tightening economy is putting pressure on customer service. In fact, consumers are being warned not to take out their frustrations ...


PR Web (press release)

Care Team Wins Prestigious Customer Service Award
PR Web (press release), WA - Oct 11, 2008
The award, sponsored in part by the Institute of Customer Service, celebrates the effect and impact of excellent customer service on the consumer and ...


Chamber honors outstanding customer service
Nodaway News Leader, MO - Oct 10, 2008
In recognition of National Customer Service Week, the Chamber Ambassador’s Customer Service Committee, represented by Rita Miller and Lisa Luke, ...

Customer-Service - Google News

home | site map
© 2006