Give a little, get a lot!

There’s this saying that goes ‘You have to speculate to accumulate’ which fascinates me! The concept of giving and running the risk of not getting anything back in return is daunting. Especially when it comes to the world of retailing, because margins are so vitally important. However, it seems to be working for those who follow the principle of believing that once you give, you almost always get back.

A therapist friend of mine recently started a practice and naturally needed clients. She joined a networking group and flogged free 1hr session vouchers to everyone at the event. That’s one hour of her time per person! 15 people responded to the offer and went along for a free session. That equated to R4 500 of her time in money. And yet, amazingly enough, every one of those clients committed to continue with therapy, which now equates to R4 500 of revenue per week! A big get for a little give…

Giving gift vouchers to use in your store is a simple, fun way to get new customers. Everyone likes to get something for free. When you give someone a gift voucher, they correctly see it as a generous gesture. It is a sincere invitation to visit your store or business and check out your products and services. You’re putting your best foot forward.

Giving away gift vouchers is really a super smart way to acquire customers at a very reasonable cost with very little risk. It costs you almost nothing to give away the gift voucher and (here’s the part I really love) it doesn’t cost you anything if they don’t use the certificate. You pay only for the customers you actually acquire! Just try negotiating a deal with your local newspaper where you pay only if your ad gets you new customers.

From - Marketing your Retail Store in the Internet Age by B. Negan.

Obviously he is referring to a voucher with ‘no strings attached’ here! You are giving for FREE. Because it has been proven that in the long run you always get something back. People tend to spend much more than the voucher amount, plus you’re starting the process of building a relationship with these customers and laying the groundwork for a solid future together.

Which means that even if you don’t always have the urge to give, you still only stand to gain. Which, hopefully, propels your heart to giving more next time…and then getting more. See what a wonderful cycle of goodwill and revenue you can create here? Go on, give it a shot!