No, this is not a blog about how to put your dishes in the dishwasher properly.  Believe me, that is better left to your manufacturer.  I have melted and broken enough things in my lifetime to sink a battleship!

I decided to write this when I thought of hiding counter clutter in the dishwasher one day when unexpected company arrived.  Then I kept thinking what else I could use this contraption for in my crazy world.  And, here you go.

Who hasn’t used it to wash hats?  But what other clothing can it hold and clean?  If you are willing to put a hat in there, really, there are no limits…shoes? Sandals?

What about using it to temporarily dry your larger pots and pans after manually dishwashing?  Of course, it would need to be empty, or, at least empty enough to hold what you have just washed.

My dog thinks stacked dirty dishes in the dishwasher are the equivalent of a major dog treat!  (I always tell her no, but she is yet to actually listen!).  I wash most of her chew toys in there, too.  She might soon learn to open the door herself!

I’ve seen people wash rubber boots in them.  No way to know how that all turns out.

Knowing the value of hot water,  a few candle-dripped items have been renewed in there.  

If you see things not as they are, but what they can potentially be, you are a creative sort, too!  This is what we do at ProLine Supply Company, taking ordinary items and making their use other than expected.  A clear plastic tube becomes a smores gift adorned with chocolate bars, mini marshmallows and graham crackers.  

How about the step stool that is turned over becoming a basket for a move-in gift?

Anyway, you get the idea.  We see life differently.  Even a dishwasher isn’t safe. 

See more fun packaging ideas….www.prolinesupplyco.com. 

Tell us your favorite and unusual dishwasher story!

It can be a challenge to find a new customer.  But, it can be an even more daunting task to keep and nurture an existing customer.  Let’s face it, there are a lot of distractions and competition for your share of the pie.  It made me compose this short list of things we can do to hold onto a customer and possibly enhance a relationship.

1.  Send out cards, maybe for even unusual holidays and events.  How about a Halloween card, a birthday or business anniversary note?  This helps to keep your name top of mind.

2.  Assemble a Client Advisory Board.  Possibly convene 3-4 times per year for a two hour session over a meal to hit the highlights and expose your blind spots.  Then, improve and implement the ideas brought forth.

3.  Become the information resource for your customers.  Continually look for ways to make their life easier.  Look for information that pertains to their industry that may well be a solution to a tough issue they are experiencing.

4.  Join Professional Social Networking sites like LinkedIn.  This will allow you to connect with your business partners online and find leads and connections for them.  Join niche groups, using these contacts to strengthen existing ones.  Again, you are top of mind.

5.  Always send a hand written thank you card for an order, and especially for a referral within or outside of a company you are currently working with.

6.  Do an annual account review with clients.  This should be “organization to organization” in nature.  The goal is to get a clearer understanding of where your company stands with this customer.  Sometimes it is prudent to bring vertical positions from your firm with you, or, bring them to meet with equivalents from the other team.  Discuss the past, present and future that will bring mutual benefit to both parties bottom lines.

7.  Always send a follow up note.  Although you can email, or phone, a handwritten note after a face-to-face meeting is always indicative of someone that will go the extra mile.  Thank them for visiting with you and taking time out of their day.  This proves you are a cut above the competition.

8.  Reward prompt payment.  Let prompt payers know you appreciate their making it easy with which to do business.  Publicize this in a newsletter or in an email, or, even maybe a special gift basket or gift card?

9.  Conduct a short survey 4-6 times a year, 2-3 minutes in length.  These can be done online, offline, over the phone or on a mailed form.  The obvious value is tied to the feedback that can be invaluable for streamlining processes, expediting problem resolution or enhancing communications.  This baseline report will give you another opportunity to send a thank you promotional piece or thank you in the mail for completing the survey.  Again, you are in front of your customer, and, in the case of a promotional product that occupies that very precious desk real estate,  you may be in front of your customer for a very long time.

10.  Engage conversations on Twitter.  It is a way to build your brand and tweet valuable content that helps and promotes yourself and other businesses.  Facebook is another vehicle for immediate recognition to customers and their patronage.  Get creative and have your customers LIKE your page for a fun gift in exchange for becoming a friend.

You now are building your reputation as an expert communicator.

Good luck and good business!