As organized and simplified as we would like to keep our home businesses, it is also important to remember that people really do like to choose. I know that it sometimes seems like human nature is just the opposite—that people want to be told what they need and have things handed to them, but I believe that people respond more favorably when they have options and feel like they are in control of choosing what is right for them. When it comes to your products and services, as well as service delivery and other details—give the client or customer some options whenever you can.
Even the simplest of options—a delivery date or time, variations in how they can pay for their purchase, or flexible deadlines can be welcome. When you are negotiating a deal or making a presentation, offering some either/or choices and letting the customer or client have more of a say in what is actually decided can mean a successful deal. Think of how YOU feel when you go to make a purchase—don’t you want to choose the color, the quantity, etc.? The more choices we have, the more in control we feel and the more likely we are to enjoy our purchasing experience or feel confident in the business relationship.
So, look over how you are operating your business—are there places where you can offer a choice or ways that you can put more “options” into your services or products? Of course, too many choices can be overwhelming for the customer or client and a headache for you, but by offering options where you can and being a bit strategic about it, you can open your business up to more possibilities while making it easier to help and meet the needs of your clients and/or customers.
Also: Do You Offer a Free Trial Period?