Article by Chelsea Lamb, BusinessPop.net
There is nothing that will define the success of your business as well as your relationship with your customers. If you can build positive, trusting relationships with them, their repeat business will be the solid foundation you can build your business on.
Communicate Who You Are
Customers want to feel like they're supporting real people who care about them and who they can build a relationship of mutual respect and trust with. The more customers know you, the easier it will be for them to trust you. Email and social media are excellent cost-free ways to establish a dialogue with customers to let them get to know you and your business.
When they feel like they know you, they begin to see you less as a person integral to a service or product they are purchasing and more like a friend they want to continue supporting. Repeat customers spend more, cost you less, and are most likely to promote your business by referring your business to their friends and family.
Offer Good, Quick, and Consistent Service
Of course, if you want customers to become loyal repeat supporters, you also need to have a good product or service that they can count on. No one wants to buy something that isn't worth the money, no matter how much they might like the people running the business. So, take the necessary time to perfect your goods and services so that they offer the best experience for your customers, and they will want to keep returning.
Value Your Customers’ Feedback
Request feedback from your customers, and really listen to what they have to say. A successful business is dependent upon satisfied customers, and the best way to guarantee those is to ask them their opinions. It can be difficult to get customers to rate and review a company and its products, so offer discounts or some other incentive for those willing to share an honest opinion.
Once they've shared their feedback with you, use it. If they've made suggestions, consider how implementing those ideas might impact your business. It can be difficult to have someone criticize something you've worked hard to perfect. By putting aside your feelings and objectively considering their suggestions, you may come up with an even better way of doing things. Plus, showing your customers that you truly listen is a priceless investment in your future relationship.
Use Your Time Wisely
There are only so many hours in a day, and there is only so much you can do on your own. The more you can delegate less important tasks to others, the more time you can spend growing and nurturing customer relationships. Save yourself time and energy and bring in a professional consultant to help guide your business. A consulting firm such will be able to assess your business and tell you the best ways to navigate client relationships and better manage your time and resources, which can help set you up for success.
Building relationships with your customers requires dedication and hard work, but the return on investment is worth the effort. Communicate, give quality service, listen to feedback and use your time wisely and your business will be the better for it.
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