It’s no question that we’ve gone through economic hell over the last 18 months or so, with many businesses hanging on by the skin of their teeth. And, most businesses want to generate leads and turn them into paying customers, I’m pretty sure of that.
So why do so many leads get ignored and not followed up with?
If you’re in business and people are coming to YOU for whatever service or product you’re selling, doesn’t it just make sense to follow-up with them? I mean, they’re coming to you – that’s a dream come true when it happens for many businesses. And, when you’ve promised to get back to potential customers with a quote, not following up with them is just, well, dumb. Dumber than a bag o’ hammers dumb. At least I can get results with a hammer. Businesspeople that fade into the woodwork? Not bloody likely.
I’ve personally experienced this phenomenon a number of times in the last few years, and it still boggles my mind and frustrates the hell out of me. Here’s a ‘for instance’: I’ve made a call to an installer of something-or-other, they come and take measurements or do whatever they need to do in order to write an estimate. They go on their merry way with all my contact information, and I never hear from them again. Even when I’m the one that follows up.
What gives? Do they really have so much business already that they don’t need another customer? If that’s the case, then wow – I’m definitely in the wrong biz!
Really, I just don’t get it. I called them. I want to spend money on whatever they’re selling. Yet it seems they’re just not interested. Maybe it’s me? Last time I checked, I ordinarily don’t smell too bad (after a run, now that’s a different story), wash behind my ears faithfully, and I’m respectful and courteous to people most of the time. I try not to be too scary or intimidating – as someone who’s somewhat vertically challenged and buys off the petite rack, it’s not like I’m physically imposing.
So what is it then? What drives these businesspeople to completely ignore or shrug off money I want to put in their pockets? Anyone? Bueller?
When people want to give you business and pay you their hard-earned money, don’t be a bag o’ hammers: follow-up!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I hear that A LOT, and suspect a) there’s just not enough competition, or b) they just don’t care because they’ve got enough business to get them by (or both). It’s unfortunate, because they’re not doing themselves any favours. In smaller centres most people either know or at least know of each other, and word travels fast. And, depending on what service you’re looking for, the internet opens up the entire globe for businesses. It really pays to stay on top of your game. At least have enough courtesy and respect for others to get back to them when you say you will. ‘Nuff said:)
I can’t tell you how many times this very thing occurs in good ole Nova Scotia. I’m very much like you in that I don’t understand it and it frustrates the hell out of me. I to have wondered how it is they can get away with this??? Perhaps because we live in rural NS, they know that they’re the only people in that line of business that we are going to find. So in other words, we’ll come crawling back.
The only answer to our problem would be to simply have more options. Ah well, such is life I suppose.