There is a simple technique that will always keep customers happy and anyone can use it. I must warn you that at first it is a tad uncomfortable to do and inside you might have a sensation not to use the technique and to simply give in.

Many times customers are unhappy because they expect one thing but end up with another. Sounds simple, I would be upset in that situation and so would you. However this problem is OUR fault as business owners. We tend to have a bad habit of promising the world to clients, after all we want them to like us, love our product, and rant about us later. However this is neither good for business or our health.

The situation that inevitably follows these types of “oh sure I can do that” while thinking “oh god how am I going to manage that?” is a mad scramble to learn/accomplish/cram the task into a short period of time in order to it accomplished by what ever means necessary. What inevitably happens is that things get missed, you run over the deadline, and the overall quality of work suffers.

You may think, “Well I tried to accommodate them so I did a great job.” Wrong, they don’t realize how unrealistic their expectations were; and why should they? You didn’t let them know otherwise.

So the technique is as follows… under promise and over deliver.

It is that simple. Next time someone asks you to do anything, anything… simply give yourself a 5 day buffer and tell them you will try your best but the soonest you will be likely to get it is X days from now. Tell them that the quality of work will be worth the wait, but you will try your best to get it done sooner. Then deliver it at least a few days early from what you told them, and you look like a hero! This works especially if they have a deadline that you can help them meet.

This way you are always performing beyond their expectations, who wouldn’t be happy?

Here are some more examples:

• You are a writer, tell you client will come up with one idea for the copy with in a two weeks. Deliver two ideas with in one week, tell them you got inspired and had to write another idea (even though you planned on it all along)
• You are a designer, tell your client it will take one month to come up with two logo concepts. In two weeks show them three, same idea applies
• If you are in an industry that does house calls, clearly state on your website that typical wait is 2-3 working days. However where possible give a client in need a “Hmmm, it will be breaking the rules but you sound like you really need help” and head out that day.
• Provide SEO or internet marketing? Be conservative about time lines and results, when inquiries and ranking happens quicker than they expect you look like a pro

There are thousands of different applications for this technique, and it will keep your clients extremely happy.

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