Welcome back to another edition of Sell More Printing, where we explore real-world sales and marketing strategies that you, as a printer, can adapt to boost your business. Today, we’re venturing into the mystical world of video games – yes, you read that right – with a spotlight on Zelda. Our journey begins by exploring how Kathy, our fearless Director of Client Relations at Marketing Ideas For Printers, found business wisdom in this pixelated world, all while gaming with her grandson, who absolutely loves that his grandma is a gamer!
Leveling Up Client Engagement with a Zelda Twist
Get a picture in your mind of Kathy, controller in hand, navigating the landscapes of Zelda; her brow furrowed in concentration. In between helping her grandson find the Master Sword and rescuing Princess Zelda, she had an ‘aha!’ moment. Kathy thought, “If Link can save a kingdom with a little strategy and a lot of heart, why can’t printers use similar tactics in their day-to-day business?” Just as Link journeys through Hyrule, facing dragons and solving puzzles, you, too, can embark on an adventure with each client, armed with your mighty print solutions!
How This Helps You Sell More Printing
In Zelda, the player navigates through various levels, each presenting unique challenges and requiring specific strategies to succeed. Similarly, in your print business, consider each client interaction as a level in a game. You can design each level (or stage of the client relationship) to enhance engagement, build loyalty, and, ultimately, drive print sales.
Game Plan: Winning Strategies for Client Engagement
This approach encourages a deeper understanding of your clients’ needs and the development of specific solutions that resonate with them. Here’s how you can take a leaf out of Link’s book and bring this concept to life in your printing business:
Identify Different Levels of Client Engagement
Categorize your clients as you would game levels: Newbies, Regulars, and Bosses (your big clients). Tailor your strategies to conquer each level.
Reward Systems
Implement a reward system akin to the game’s treasure chests and power-ups. Offer discounts, special deals, or exclusive services as clients reach certain milestones or demonstrate loyalty.
Personalized Quests
Create personalized journeys for your clients to help them achieve specific marketing goals, much like quests in Zelda. Completing these quests could unlock special rewards or recognition.
Interactive Communication
Use gamified elements in your communication. For instance, send newsletters with hidden tips or ‘Easter eggs’ that offer small benefits or discounts when found and used.
Continuous Improvement
Always be ready to adapt and improve, just as game developers do based on player feedback. Establish iterative continuous improvement processes with clients to stay flexible and responsive to their needs, regularly soliciting their input to refine and enhance your services.
Community Building
Foster a community among your clients, similar to gamers sharing tips and experiences. Host webinars and workshops and guide online conversations where clients can interact and share ideas.
By integrating these Zelda-inspired strategies, you’ll not only enhance your client relationships but also create a more engaging and rewarding experience for them. This approach goes beyond mere transactions; it builds a narrative where each client becomes a part of your business’s epic journey.
Join the Conversation
How can you turn your client interactions into an engaging and rewarding adventure? Join the conversation on our LinkedIn post. Head to on.mi4p.com/zelda to discuss this article and share your insights on gamifying client relations.
This article originally appeared in the April 2024 issue of NPSOA magazine. For more information on how you can become an NPSOA member and enjoy the many benefits offered there, contact Member Services at membership@npsoa.org or head to their website at NPSOA.org.
