I was struck by this email I received from Team Blonde, a boutique/eco spa. I’m a huge fan of Team Blonde (and they know it) because of the extraordinary effort they put into making each visit an experience with them – not a transaction. They go out of their way to personalize shopping and spa services, which I greatly appreciate since I’m not one to spend a lot of time on things like that.
I opted into their customer emails a while back, and have received nothing but thoughtful, occasional emails about deals, special events and more. This is the first time I’ve seen them send anything like this out, and I like the tone and approach of finding people who “get” them by reaching out to those who already do.
What I like about this approach:
1. Your best customers know why what you offer is special. They don’t want bad employees – it doesn’t serve them.
2. Involving your customers in your growth is a nice way to engage them.
3. There are no promises made – just requests for people who “get it.”
4. Fitting in well is mentioned – vital to a small workplace.
So next time you’re looking for great employees, ask your customers.
What do you think about this? Would you be able to ask your customers to help you with hiring the right people?
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10:08 AM on July 14th, 2010
I love the approach. I see the company/brand and customer dynamic as a partnership, one where both sides want the other to succeed. What better way to deepen that partnership than by engaging your customers to help you be even more successful. And – as you note – the customer has a true whats-in-it-for-me incentive to help because it improves their future service experience.
Excellent thoughts, Jeannie.
11:39 AM on July 14th, 2010
Thanks, Chris. I was struck by the authenticity of this, too, knowing exactly who they are and the experience they create. Makes me want to help them, too!
11:11 AM on July 15th, 2010
Jeannie,
I couldn’t agree with you more! My current client used this approach recently to gain new traffic and interest during a trade show. It was a brilliant success! They love the product and services the company offered and shared it with others who in return came to the booth.
Thanks so much for always knowing and sharing fantastic customer-centric, user-friendly and usability thoughts.
11:21 AM on July 15th, 2010
Beth – That’s great to hear how approaching the best customers worked for the trade show – another great story! Thanks for the nice words, too.
2:10 PM on July 15th, 2010
Jeannie-
Thanks SO much for featuring our most recent email in your blog. We have had success already generating leads for trusted practioners referred by our customers. In addition, customers are now aware that we are growing in our spa area–a positive detail in this economic climate.
It’s great seeing everyone else’s comments too.
Jayne and Heidi
The Blondes
3:30 PM on July 15th, 2010
Hi Jayne & Heidi -
I’m not surprised your loyal fans are doing their best to find you good folks. Thanks for stopping by the blog! See you soon.
Jeannie
8:43 PM on July 13th, 2010
Nice Post 360 Connect @jeanniecw: Find Your Best Employees via Your Best Customers: http://bit.ly/bYgEHg
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
10:11 AM on July 14th, 2010
It could build more customer trust. RT @jeanniecw: Could u be finding ur best employees by asking ur best customers? http://bit.ly/bDOlDG
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
7:54 AM on July 15th, 2010
Reading: Find Your Best Employees via Your Best Customers http://bit.ly/d9yE20
This comment was originally posted on Twitter