Wichita Marketing Just Got a Whole Lot Tastier

For many years, supermarkets abandoned sampling and direct sales. But for whatever reason, when I shopped my Wichita grocery store this week, there were people actively selling sushi and others were pushing samples.

The whole place had the air of an open market. The trouble is, I’m not sure if it was intentional. In any case, it got me thinking about the importance of experience to customers. It can also be a great way to differentiate your Wichita business from others in the market.

It can be very simple. Anything that makes life easier on your customer will be welcomed. Same for anything personal or customized.

It took me years to convince grocers just to put on a pot of coffee so customers would be stimulated. It’s just one example of how something small can pay big dividends.

It’s a new month, Wichita small business owners. What is the one small thing you can do this month to delight your customers? It might be a small change to your marketing program, such as trying a more regular email promotion. It might be an additional step in your customer service process.

Whatever you do, it’s a good idea to start with what you observe your customers consistently requesting. Listen to your frontline employees, too. And remember, it’s your job to read between the lines and make the ultimate call on what needs to change.

The only reason Dillons has enjoyed success in Wichita is that there is little competition. Put Dillons up against the customer service of Hy-Vee or the selection and ethnic sensitivity of Price Chopper, and it’s a very different story. To say nothing of the price competition. It might not be a coincidence that Dillons is stepping up its game if other regional competitors are thinking about opening here.

Don’t let competitive pressure be what moves you to act. Start heightening your customers’ experience now.