The topic being discussed at the meeting was fairly complex yet the closing advice for determining our next steps was this: ‘Don’t Overthink It.’
Customer Engagement is an important topic for businesses and non-profits. Tim recently wrote about it as a strategy for growing your organization. While there are aspects to customer engagement that require thoughtful analysis, I’m going to encourage visiting the other end of the spectrum.
Don’t overthink it.
Two weeks ago, my husband and I discovered a new spot for ice cream. As we were enjoying scoops of Rocky Road and Rum Raisin, we spotted a basket of crayons on the counter next to a stack of 3 x 5 index cards. “Take one.” On the wall opposite the ice cream coolers were creations inspired by the sweet deliciousness in our cones. Sure, not everyone wants to draw, but for those who like to doodle, the opportunity to engage was simple, straightforward and fun.
A stack of blank index cards. Ninety-nine cents for 300 at a local dollar store.
A box of crayons or pencils. Two dollars and some change, plus an extra fifty cents for a container.
I’ve also seen a map of the world with a red-dot stickers to identify hometowns.
A display of merchandise to reflect the school colors of the hometown teams.
A straw poll for the best jelly bean flavor.
A dry erase board with a question of the day.
Of course it helps to have a great product, service or program. When you’ve got that in place, why not pick up a pack of those index cards and engage your customers?
“Mom, I want to go back to that ice cream place where my card is on the wall.”
BONUS: Here are five other ways to use those handy 3 x 5 index cards.
- A note of encouragement for a co-worker or a thank-you note for a loyal customer.
- Need a ruler?
- ‘Entrance is around back’ sign. Little card = clarity potential.
- Last-minute shopping list. So much better to write it down.
- Bookmark!
