We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristina Pearson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kristina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?
If you truly think about it, all industries and jobs are related around customer service. Whether you are on the manufacturing line, working in quality control, or serving people directly. As an instructor and photographer, customer service is a part of my daily routine. I try to deliver service through big and little ‘wows’. Now there are contractual agreements between a photographer and a client to ensure both parties are protected and sometimes using those contracts can make the relationship seem cold. While I don’t like to give away surprises, I do like to “wow” my wedding clients by providing them with a special gift to keep the memory of their special day alive. The first time I sent a package to a bride and groom, the message I received warmed my heart in ways I didn’t expect. I do little things in the classroom too that my students recognize which helps with relationship building and engagement. Doing little things to make someone else’s day is what life is all about. If you are able to share happiness and little acts of customer service to brighten someone else’s day, why not take advantage of it?
Kristina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I have always had a passion for creativity and helping people. Fortunately, I get to do both. With a background in Marketing Communications, my full-time day job is teaching at a technical college. I get to work with young adults and share wisdom about basic human communication and success in the workplace. In addition, I run a marketing and photography company. I serve clients that range from family and couples to small businesses. I have been lucky to develop and manage several marketing campaigns and websites for businesses in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Helping small businesses by being their one stop shop for photography, web design, and marketing needs has been advantageous in my little part of the world.
In addition, working with my families, couples, and seniors is so amazing as I get to build relationships with a variety of people. Helping individuals freeze moments in time for them to remember forever is so special. Growing up we didn’t have a lot of family photos, so I try to use visual storytelling to really capture the dynamics of people and how they interact with one another. The end result is truly magical. I have been lucky enough to travel the midwest and beyond for photography clients and the trust they have in me to capture these precious times is invaluable.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Never stop helping! Client and community engagement is very important. I try to assist and help out whenever I am able. When I have friends who are business owners hosting events, or even at my day job when they need assistance, I am always willing to lend a hand. Without overextending myself, I lend a helping hand to my clients whenever they need it. For example, we were testing out some digital advertising and without charging my clients extra, I will develop a few ideas for generating interest. Also, for my photography clients, their fee covers a certain amount of digital images; however, if there are some special moments that I captured, I am going to deliver those as well without charging the client extra. They are their memories and they should be able to have them forever. Same with my marketing clients, I am here to serve them and ensure that they are getting the return they are looking for, it may take me an extra five minutes, but if they are happy then I am happy!
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Word of mouth! I am not super active on social media, but am trying to get better at it. When I am delivering images or launching websites, it’s those people that my clients interact with who are reaching out. I love (more than anything) when my clients are satisfied and they share with their network my services. I hardly ever hand out business cards because my clients are typically the ones who are helping generate new customers. I have been truly blessed in that department. I couldn’t do what I do without word of mouth advertising and pleased past clients. Continue helping those you work with regularly and the return will be so fruitful!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kpdesignsd.com
- Instagram: @kristinapearsondesign
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristinapearsondesign
Image Credits
@kristinapearsondesign