Staying top of mind with prospects, customers, and advocates is essential for growing your business.

There is an easy way to do this that requires almost no effort.  In fact, it may not require any effort at all.

A couple of months ago I was the keynote speaker for a diverse group of small businesses in Tucson, Arizona. In this particular situation I had three customers – the organizer of the event, the members, and the sponsor.

Here’s what the sponsor sent to me in an email a couple of weeks after the event:

“Thanks again for the time and energy you spent preparing and presenting for us. We’ve had many positive comments (no negative!)  Feel free to use me as a reference for anyone considering you as a presenter!

Wow!  That’s nice.

I was obviously humbled by the response.  More importantly, I now have an untapped resource that feels something like a Monopoly card to get out of jail free.

An Ace in the Hole

You know what that feels like.  Even if you never have to use it, it’s nice to know it’s there.  It’s an ace in the hole – a confidence booster.

This leads me to my tip for today. Do you offer yourself up as a resource?  You probably work so hard serving your customers that you assume they know you would gladly allow them to tap into your expertise.

You know what happens when we assume.  So don’t.  Make the offer. But don’t stop with customers, do the same with your advocates – and those that could be.

Be a Resource for Your Community

This is so simple – yet powerful and universal too.

You can be a resource to your customers, your prospects, and even those that chose to do business with your competitors.  If you lost the business despite your superior capabilities, then all the more reason for doing so.

If you are on top of your game – a recognized expert in your industry, your willingness to be a resource will open doors, keep doors open, or re-open doors that were temporarily closed.

The Offer is Memorable

Everyone needs and appreciates having a lifeline that will help them when they need it most.  But sometimes we forget where to look or don’t want to impose.

That’s why you need to make the offer so we don’t forget – and to make us comfortable when we need you.

This is a class move.  It’s one that will keep you top of mind – which is a surefire way to encourage more leads and referrals.

All you have to do is get in the habit of making the offer.  This could be as simple as a few extra words on your email signature.

What other ways could this work for you?

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Until tomorrow,  Jeff