Strategic Storyboarding

Just discovered a tiny, utterly delightful Italian restaurant in San Francisco. And sorry, I won’t reveal the location.

But it was the most delicious Gorgonzola pasta this side of Tuscany. And a charming, low-key atmosphere that makes me want to jump in the car and head back over there again. And again.

Yet, this is not a wine-and-dine post. This is a post about strategic storyboarding–and how you can grow your repeat business using this principle in multiple ways.

And I’ll start at the end of my meal so you get what I mean. After we’d had a yummy meal and polished off every last bite, the owner came over to confirm that we were happy.

I told him I was and would be coming back again soon. For sure.

He promptly returned with the bill. After he’d picked up my payment, he put down 2 spoons. How interesting. I’d already paid.

But he held my attention with that small yet deliberate move.

Naturally when a light and creamy taste treat emerged at the table…covered in fresh strawberries. Well…let’s just say my decision to return was sealed with a kiss.

You may not be running a restaurant. In fact, your business or project is likely to be a lot more focused on profits, deliverables and cost cutting.

(Hmmm…sounds a lot like most restaurants.)

So how can you thrill your clients? Give them the equivalent of a surprise treat. It may not be an edible one. Perhaps it’s a taste of a different product. A new service. A coaching call. A test-run of a pilot course.

Think of it as your special dessert. It’s the frosting on the cake. In addition to one they’ve already experienced.

By the way–this is the exact opposite of the ‘free’ dessert when everything has gone wrong with your meal or customer experience. I never get this one. Why would you want a free dessert on top of a rotten experience?

Back to the delectable route and how to super thrill your customers.

Brainstorm all the ways you can go over the top. Storyboard exactly how to exceed what your customers expect. Then, go out and do it. Have fun putting a smile on their face. You just never know how this will snowball. All the way to your next repeat business. And raving fan.

That’s how storyboarding can really make your business sweeter and much more profitable.