Technology is fantastic. I was waiting for a new phone the other week and I had to tell people to message me on Facebook or email me in order to get in touch with me. I felt like I was in the dark – only relying on my computer to get through the day. I realized that I really do rely on my phone and my computer ENORMOUSLY to conduct my business. It’s hard to operate without both of them.

Some people are… “old school.”

Old school doesn’t mean old. Old school can reside in any person, any age. In fact, a lot of hipsters are old school – if that makes any sense. To be honest, I think i’m a bit old school myself.

There’s a good chance that a lot of your clients (or potential ones) are old school too- whether you want to believe it or not. And, every person is different when it comes to where he or she draws their technological “line in the sand.”

One person may be fine with emails, but refuses to text. Another may use Skype, but won’t use any sort of Internet-based calendar. There are even people in their 20s and 30s who spurn Facebook. I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true.

When it comes to technology, your customers are choosing what they want – à la carte.

As you promote your business and try to keep up technologically, you have to keep in mind that not every customer is going to WANT to keep up with you. And furthermore, if you leave your old schoolers in the dust, there’s a good chance that they are going to find a competitor that is more accommodating.

You can’t make customers jump through hoops in order for them to give YOU their business. People don’t like that. Surprising, right?

You can’t make customers meet you on your terms. You have to come to them. If you don’t, your customers are going to be uncomfortable. And when they are uncomfortable, they aren’t going to spend their money with you.

Here are my top three tips for making my customers comfortable in a high-tech world:

1.     Communicate in different ways. Talk on the phone, email, meet in person, or provide services online. Give an option for every type of customer – old school or not.

2.     Educate your customers. Let them know how your process works from the beginning to the end, and let them know what to expect at every interval. Many old school clients are willing to learn some new tricks – they just want/need to know the process.

I have a video guide AND a printable guide for how to prepare for a photo session with me. Some people are visual learners, some are auditory, and others are tactile. Keep those three styles in mind. It will help you when you are trying to educate clients on how to follow your procedures.

3.     Understand that every customer is unique. They have different learning styles, different needs, different wants, and different abilities. No two will ever be exactly the same. Make sure that you treat each one like you not only realize it, but you appreciate it.

 

It’s hard to walk the line of technology and old school – I’m not going to lie. Technology makes life so much easier. I can skype instead of actually driving to a meeting, I can check my calendar on my phone instead of carrying around a planner, and I can force every client to book their session on my website.

The problem is, customer service isn’t about the “I.” I shouldn’t be focusing on what technology can do for ME. Instead, I need to remember to constantly be looking towards my clients for guidance.

What can I be doing to make THEIR lives easier… old school or not?

 

 

Alimond Photography Studio specializes in creating strategic corporate headshot portraits for not only the individual small business entrepreneur, but also the Fortune 500 Company.  Alimond Photography Studio is located in downtown Leesburg, Virginia, where they will create the perfect look for you in their 1300 square foot photo studio.  If you have a large team or you have a specific vision you want to create, we can also come out to you on location of your choice.  Please go HERE to get more info and set up your session.