Lemonade From Printing a Lemon

Bill: Emma, let’s say a print client calls and reports a big mistake on their order. What do you do?

Emma: Apologize, fix it fast, and maybe send cookies?

Bill: Good instincts but let me tell you what the University of New Hampshire did. Their Admissions’ Department sent out hundreds of letters to students letting the recipient know they’d been accepted…but they were sent in error.

Emma: Ouch. That’s a lemon. Where’s the lemonade?

Bill: Here: They sent a follow up postcard that read: “Even Wildcats make mistakes.” Instead of just apologizing, they reframed it: “Mistakes are how we grow as leaders” and encouraged the students to attend UNH.

Emma: That’s genius! They turned a problem into a branding win, a differentiator, and a life lesson.

Bill: Exactly. When mistakes happen, own them and use them creatively.

Emma: Here’s a ChatGPT hack: “Draft a professional and optimistic email addressing [specific error]. Reframe the mistake as a growth opportunity and emphasize our commitment to quality.”

Bill: That takes the pressure off and keeps the tone on point.

Emma: And for added charm, ask ChatGPT: “Suggest three creative ways to turn [mistake] into a positive experience for the client.” That could mean offering a discount, exclusive preview, or clever messaging.

Bill: Mistakes happen. But handled right—with AI for backup—you can turn them into opportunities.

Emma: Like lemonade from printed lemons.

Join hundreds of salespeople and selling owners throughout the Graphic Arts inside the Sales Vault. For $69/month or less, see your sales grow at SalesVault.pro. Bill Farquharson can be reached at 781-934-7036. You’ll find Emma Farquharson at contact@sharedintelAI.com

The preceding content was provided by a contributor unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Printing Impressions.