E-couragement: Your Giving Philosophy: Weight or Volume?

"For it is in giving that we receive." Francis of Assisi I’ve seen the message for years. Like most repetitive announcements, we can become blind to it: “This package is sold by weight not volume. Some settling may occur during shipping.” Innocent enough. Yet recently it caused me to stop and reflect. How might this declaration, often found on packaged goods, reflect upon your business philosophy?

Let’s start by interpreting this statement: A good portion of your purchase is air. Empty space. When you buy cereal, half the content is nothing. When you buy vitamins, half the bottle is cotton. Today businesses often default to a “sold by weight” mentality that manifests in giving as little as they can. Initially this belief may feel safe and even yield short-term profits, but over the long haul, it costs you dearly.

To engage your customers and earn life-long loyal buyers, you’ll need a different way of thinking, one that’s built upon a “sold by volume” philosophy. The Bible describes this method of giving nicely in Luke 6:38 (NLV): “Pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and pouring into your lap.” In other words, in every way possible, give extra. Give additional. Give more.

Here’s a business philosophy that will serve you well in 2015. Give more to your customers/clients. How? Listen more intently. Follow-up sooner. Over communicate. Improve your product and services. Deliver earlier than expected. Seek customer feedback and opinions. Show up early. Take responsibility. Stay late. Apologize. Make amends. Provide a “sold by volume” experience and you become the clear choice for buyers seeking a place to spend their money.

Leave your comments: How is your business intentionally creating a “sold by volume” experience for your clients/customers?