How NOT to Treat Prospective Clients

CPA Websites

Allison Lazarz, Webmaster

I recently learned firsthand why excellent customer service is so important, not just for providers of CPA websites, but for all businesses.

Last weekend I called 3 different venues that I’d like to consider for my wedding reception.  I left messages for someone at all three places on Saturday.

Unbelievably, I never actually received a return phone call from any of them.

I made a follow-up call to one of the locations because it’s of high interest to me, and the event coordinator said she’d written my number down wrong and that’s why she didn’t get back to me.  (I’m quite certain I didn’t give her the wrong phone number, so maybe she could have been a bit more diligent!)

A Bad Taste in My Mouth

I don’t tell this as a sob story, for I do have a reception location lined up and am currently just looking at alternatives before I sign a contract.

I tell this story because I can’t believe how unconcerned these places are with someone who’s willing to give them thousands of dollars.

It reminds me of our website signups.  Folks who sign up online are eager to do business with us.  And we try very hard to get back to them within hours.

After all, our clients went to the trouble of visiting our website and filling out the contact form. It’s just plain rude to ignore them. And it’s definitely not good business.

CPA Websites

A timely return phone call starts off your relationship on the right foot.

Call Back Every Prospect

What if accountants treated all prospective clients as though they were brides looking for a place to have their wedding?

Please – don’t keep them waiting! Call them back within 24 hours to show them you care about their business.

From the very beginning of your relationship with them, show them how honored you are that they’re considering giving you their hard-earned money.

Judging by the lack of attention I got when I called those 3 vendors over the weekend, not all businesses do this.

Surprisingly, simply making a return phone call in a timely manner is an effective way to stand apart from your competitors.

Leverage Your Website

Of course, your website is a great starting point. It clearly displays your contact information so that potential clients know exactly how to get in touch with you.

It also contains sign-up forms, which makes it easy for folks who would rather make contact online.

And our Online Appointment Scheduling helps establish a client bond from the very first point of contact.

Do you need a website to help you make a great first impression with prospective clients? Our Complete Web Suites are reasonably priced and you get 60 days free with no obligation. Sign up here.

Have you ever experienced poor customer service? How did it make you feel? Share your story below.

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3 Responses to “How NOT to Treat Prospective Clients”

  1. norm says:

    Thank you Allison. Your observation is right on! It’s also why we want to be diligent with keeping our call schedule. I know it can have that feeling that you are bothering someone by leaving so many messages, but it goes a long way to showing we are interested in our clients.

  2. brian says:

    Great post. I agree with you, Allison. Thanks.

  3. jim says:

    I totally agree about sign-up turnaround time. Calling a client within the first hour could be the difference between a 3-year client and a good relationship vs. a non-converted lead that takes weeks of time to contact.

    Thanks for sharing; there’s a lot we can learn from our own customer service experiences.

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