A referral from an Alabama Postmaster has led to a shipping deal worth more than $340,000 for the Postal Service.
While on rounds with a carrier, Natalie Chapman of Daleville noticed a competitor’s truck picking up packages at a business that sells themed T-shirts, clothing and gifts.
Chapman decided to stop and talk with the owner of the business. After returning to her Post Office, she submitted a lead through the Business Connect program, which allows Postmasters, managers and supervisors to initiate discussions with customers about USPS products and services.
Shanek Madison and Lisa Mitchell, Alabama-Mississippi District business development specialists, and Priscilla Heffernan, field sales representative, followed up with the customer.
They closed a shipping deal worth $342,345 in new estimated annualized revenue for the Postal Service.
Sales generated from Customer Connect leads count toward the USPS Power of One campaign to raise revenue through sales leads from employees.
“Opportunities to interact with our customers don’t just take place inside Post Offices,’” said Mary Anderson, small-business engagement director at USPS headquarters in Washington, DC. “When local Post Office leaders are out in their communities, opportunities often present themselves. Natalie saw such an opportunity, which helped a customer and the Postal Service.”
USPS is encouraging as many employees as possible to submit at least one lead through any of its six lead programs by Sept. 30. The Small Business Sales team is tracking program participation rates through its weekly “Drive to 35” downloadable report.
The Small Business and Lead Generation Programs Blue page has more information about Business Connect and the other employee lead programs: Clerks Care, Customer Connect, Mail Handlers, Rural Reach and Submit a Lead.
