Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heather Ferrari. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Heather, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?
I have always loved getting to know my clients and finding little ways to show them I care. When I was running my first insurance office, we were located right next to a Cold Stone Creamery. I got to know the owner (side note: he would bring us samples of new products to try, and of course, we went there regularly—a win-win!). By getting to know him and learning how he was starting his franchise, and since I was new to my business, we came together and created a coupon that would bring people back to our businesses.
Here’s what we did: He was willing to take a few bucks off a birthday cake, and I would include the coupon in the birthday cards we sent out monthly to our clients. We would call the client on their birthday to wish them a happy birthday, and they would usually thank us for the call and the card. People loved it! Our office enjoyed calling our clients for something other than a bill or rate change. It was also great to see them come and support another local business.
Finding ways to show people you care doesn’t mean spending a lot of money—find the small things, and have fun doing it!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Growing up in my dad’s restaurant, I learned the ropes of small business ownership from a tender age of 8. Since then, I’ve worn many hats – from owning businesses of my own to navigating the corporate landscape. With over 25 years of experience in sales and business ownership, I’ve seen it all.
But here’s what sets me apart: I’m not just here to talk about theory. I’m here to share what’s working in the real world, both for myself and for my clients. You see, my passion lies in helping small business owners, sales professionals, and corporate leaders grow their revenue by at least 50% – all without sacrificing their personal lives.
Through years of trial, error, and triumph, I’ve honed strategies that work. And now, I’m here to pass that knowledge on to you. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching sessions or sharing insights on podcasts, my mission is simple: to empower you to achieve your goals while living a fulfilling life.
Have you ever had to pivot?
When I was 23 years old, I started an insurance business from scratch. I knew nothing about the insurance industry but trusted the process. I grew that business, and in 3 years, the company asked me to help them start up and open a brand-new state. I was all in. My team ranked in the top 5 almost every month. I was recruiting and building people, and I became a mother for the first time. So many great things were happening. However, I also knew I wanted to be closer to my family. So, I did what all crazy people do—I left management to take over a failing agency. I jumped in, grew that business back up, all the while learning how to be a mom of a 2-year-old. Around this time, we found out I needed a hysterectomy, and our dreams of growing our family changed. I decided to retire and be a mom. I left it all after 11 years and was able to spend time with my daughter. Those were the best few years for many reasons. We moved to a small town, my husband thrived in his field, and my daughter and I partied every day. I was sad for many reasons when she went to preschool, but it also became clear that I was ready to jump back into something. That’s when I started coaching. Change is good—it came with many good things and bad things. It also taught me that I can start over and use the knowledge and support I’ve gained to launch into the next adventure. I am super grateful and blessed.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Referrals! This might sound simple and a bit old-fashioned, but it’s powerful. When I first started my coaching business, I didn’t spend any money on marketing—I didn’t even have a website. Instead, I focused on the relationships I had with people I had previously worked with, helping them grow their businesses. They trusted me, and when I helped someone achieve a 50% growth, they were thrilled and naturally spoke highly of me. I was fortunate to have satisfied clients who became enthusiastic advocates. These relationships and results continue to drive my business growth today.
With my upcoming book, I recognize the need to establish a presence on social media, and I’m actively working on it and learning a lot. It’s important to have a well-rounded marketing strategy, just like diversifying an investment portfolio. The same principle applies to gaining clients—you don’t want to rely too heavily on one source.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heatherferrari.com
- Instagram: _heatherferrari
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermferrari/
- Other: @heather_ferrari (TikTok)
Image Credits
B & E Branding