1 Takeaway for All Shops From Elon Musk

Just the other day, the world renowned inventor and entrepreneur, Elon Musk, sent out a simple tweet:

You might be thinking, “So what? The billionaire mogul pulls this off for PR purposes”. However, when you take a deeper look into what purpose it served, it really highlights a valuable lesson for all business owners.

Tesla is vulnerable, yet powerful. It is new, exciting, and quickly taking us to a new world of technology. Tesla’s customers are what we would call “early adopters”. While they might be buying the car of the future, they are buying because they believe in Tesla’s mission and values.

Elon Musk realizes that without these adopters and loyal customers, he just has a product. As a shop owner, you are constantly trying to grow, expand, and reach new heights. Remember, without your loyal customers, you are just a printing shop. The customers are the lifeblood of your business. Without them, your business does not exist!

Whether you are a brand new shop or one that has been around for several years, it is imperative as the owner of your business to constantly show gratitude and appreciation.  Let your customers know just how important they are to you.

1. Keep it Simple – While you can take loyal customers to fancy dinners and give them gifts of gratitude, a simple message, text or email goes a long way. It doesn’t have to be a long message.
2. Be Spontaneous – The best kind of thank you’s are random, spontaneous, and are most special when least expected. Spend 15 minutes a week writing 5 written notes to a customer that least expects it.
3. Make it Unique – Make sure your customers know exactly why you are thankful for them. If it is a special event that they have going on, or a specific order they placed, create a message that is catered directly to them.
4. Go Private & Public – Use social media to give shout outs to large groups, or your entire customer base, while using texts, emails, phone calls, and handwritten notes to go to specific people.
5. Send As Soon As Possible – Don’t wait months after a customer’s order to send them a thank you note. You josh at those post-wedding-thank-you-cards that arrive a year later, so don’t be that guy!