Now, I’m not recommending that you start drinking while you work, but I wanted to share with you  something that my whiskey club has taught me about business.

Over the past five years, I’ve learned a lot about whiskey. Like what distinguishes a scotch from a bourbon, and the nuance in taste between something aged in a port versus a sherry cask.

I’ve also tasted the difference between a $20 and $200 dollar bottle of whiskey, and can say from experience that more expensive isn’t always better.

My point is, we all have preferences and my whiskey club has allowed me the opportunity to sample whiskeys from around the world so that I can decide what my preferences are.

In the world of business it is important to allow your clients to sample your products and services, especially if you are asking them to make a large commitment of time or money.

You could do this by having a free giveaway. Although there will be some that say you should never give anything away for free. In my opinion, a free, or low cost offer allows more people to try your business, and gives current/past clients an easy way to refer to you.

And that’s the ticket. According to Neilson ratings word of mouth still accounts for 92% of business.

As you may have seen, I use what I call the Chocolate Strategy Session, which is a 30-minute business consult with a business owner in exchange for their favorite chocolate. This allows them to sample my services and learn more about what I offer and my personal flavor as a business coach.

I’m going to take this moment to pause and say, if you, or someone you know, are in need of coaching schedule a session to see how I can be of service. I guarantee that it will be worth a bar of chocolate.

Here’s a few more examples of how this strategy can be put into play in a business:

Blue Apron will give you three free meals with your first order

Netflix will give you a free month

Many authors will place a free chapter of their next book in the current novel you are reading to entice you to keep buying their material.

And, take a look at all the free podcasts out there.

We will cover podcasts on another Money Morning Minute, but just know that their use as a marketing tool rose 23% from 2015 to 2016.

Take a moment this week and ask yourself if you are offering your clientele a sample.

If not, it’s time to begin.

Together is Better,

Jason