Getting Your Business Close To Its Customers
If you are noticing that your business is not generating income like it used to, something must be wrong with the way you are handling your business. Business owners have the tendency to show genuine appreciation of their customers but once the good times hit, the "how can I improve our services" approach to clients is lost, replaced by a more complacent attitude of taking things for granted. This is a sure way of losing your clientele. Customers want to be spoiled. Of being treated like special persons that they really are. Without them, there is no business for you. This is especially true when there is a recession and clients are a little picky with the way they spend their money.
If you are noticing that you are losing customers, it is time to reach out to them. Have them experience that your business sympathizes with their situation and that it is always ready to assist them in any way it can. Ideally though, this practice should be done consistently so as to avoid losing them and further add to your customer base.
One way of showing your appreciation for your clients is by having a list of their contact numbers. Make it a habit of calling at least five of your clients each day, and asking them what more the business can do for them. Questions "like what services do you like and dislike" or "is there a feature which we can add to our store to assist you" is likely to draw more loyalty from your clients. This method is more effective than the surveys conducted by many businesses because it is more personal. Customers like to have personal attention. Send them hand written notes if you have to, thanking them for the support or apologizing if you have ignored them unintentionally.
Admit your mistakes. If you have been slow in entertaining your customers, address the situation appropriately. Talk openly about ways to improve the buying situation in such a way as to be beneficial for both you and your clients. Make offers that will attract your customers instead of having them go to another store. Never make a mistake of treating your customers the same way since not all clients are equal in availing of your services. Make a note of your most profitable clients as well as those who make referrals for you and bestow VIP treatment to them. But do not downgrade anyone either. The idea here is to make your best clients feel that they are special to the business. You can also have an activity in which all your loyal customers are brought together to socialize with one another.
Another way of making your clients feel special is by creating a marketing board. This is an informal board in which your most loyal customers are asked for their input and responsibility in the formulation of your marketing agenda. Get out from the boardroom and talk to your customers personally. This will allow you to know their world and mingle with them to create a more lasting bond. The concept of brand marketing and personal branding is very important in this process, as people will form opinions of your and your products!
If you are noticing that you are losing customers, it is time to reach out to them. Have them experience that your business sympathizes with their situation and that it is always ready to assist them in any way it can. Ideally though, this practice should be done consistently so as to avoid losing them and further add to your customer base.
One way of showing your appreciation for your clients is by having a list of their contact numbers. Make it a habit of calling at least five of your clients each day, and asking them what more the business can do for them. Questions "like what services do you like and dislike" or "is there a feature which we can add to our store to assist you" is likely to draw more loyalty from your clients. This method is more effective than the surveys conducted by many businesses because it is more personal. Customers like to have personal attention. Send them hand written notes if you have to, thanking them for the support or apologizing if you have ignored them unintentionally.
Admit your mistakes. If you have been slow in entertaining your customers, address the situation appropriately. Talk openly about ways to improve the buying situation in such a way as to be beneficial for both you and your clients. Make offers that will attract your customers instead of having them go to another store. Never make a mistake of treating your customers the same way since not all clients are equal in availing of your services. Make a note of your most profitable clients as well as those who make referrals for you and bestow VIP treatment to them. But do not downgrade anyone either. The idea here is to make your best clients feel that they are special to the business. You can also have an activity in which all your loyal customers are brought together to socialize with one another.
Another way of making your clients feel special is by creating a marketing board. This is an informal board in which your most loyal customers are asked for their input and responsibility in the formulation of your marketing agenda. Get out from the boardroom and talk to your customers personally. This will allow you to know their world and mingle with them to create a more lasting bond. The concept of brand marketing and personal branding is very important in this process, as people will form opinions of your and your products!
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