Something often surprises me when I teach business owners about social media, speaking and building a platform – it’s the fact that many exceptional business people don’t take the time to ask for feedback while it’s fresh in their client’s minds. If you have attended one of my programs in the past, you know you can always count on being asked to fill out a short survey before you leave.
I’m grateful to all of you who have provided your feedback over the years. You’ve given me a better handle on ways to serve you and also provided me with compelling language to market programs and services. You have also taught me about who I am as a leader and teacher. That has been humbling and often brings me to tears (in a good way)
If you are not regularly asking for feedback, here are some suggestions to get you started.
o Prepare forms in advance. Keep questions to a minimum.
o Collect feedback forms immediately after speaking and draw for a prize. If you have a book, service or product, these makes a great prizes and helps the audience know about other things you offer without “selling”.
o Ask for email addresses and contact information on feedback forms so you can stay in touch with your customers.
o Provide a box to check for people who would like a follow-up call
o Ask for permission to reprint feedback comments. Offer check-off options that include anonymous, with initials or with full name.
o Use testimonials in marketing materials as a way to demonstrate credibility. You also flatter your clients by doing so.
Here are 3 questions I often ask at programs that provide great feedback quickly:
1. Share a testimonial about me as a speaker/teacher/coach/practitioner?
2. What did you enjoy most from today’s program/our work together?
3. How will you apply what you learned from this experience during the next 30 days?
Here are a few of the responses I received to question 1 after an EFT seminar program last Wednesday. It was heart-warming to receive this feedback:
Betsy has so much good energy to share ~ Rachel Trembly
Tonight I came in feeling upset and insecure, hurt about a friendship. I’m leaving calm with a feeling of peace about whatever happens.
I’m not sure how it works, but it does. Betsy seems in tune with the needs of everyone in the room
I feel confidence in Betsy’s knowledge and experience as well as her caring about all of us ~ Ellen Severson
She brings peace
Very pleasant and well-informed ~ RS
Down to earth, kind, fun
The best part is that every time I read through the comments, I know myself just a little bit better and can play off of those strengths with the next program. You can too. Be confident enough to ask for feedback!
