As we’ve discussed before, it is vital to cultivate your relationships with your customers. Entrepreneur.com offers us 5 great ways to build solid relationships with customers:
Build your network–it’s your sales lifeline.
The more people you know, the more likely you’ll meet someone that requires your services or would like to buy your product. Instead of trying to shove your product down someone’s throat, help them see how your service can solve their problem. If the person with whom you are conversing doesn’t have the particular problem you can fix, maybe they will know someone who does need you.
Communication is a contact sport, so do it early and often
Communication is key to gaining new clients and creating the coveted return customers. Always be respectful in your communications while keeping your business in the forefront of potential clients’ minds.
E-mail marketing keeps relationships strong on a shoestring budget.
Be careful with this one. Don’t get on your client’s bad side by spamming them with unrequested emails. Make sure you follow good email sign up rules of thumb.
Reward loyal customers, and they’ll reward you.
Hold on tight to your best customers. Research has shown that they will indeed reward your business.
Loyal customers are your best salespeople
How many times have you asked a friend for a recommendation for a service, store, or restaurant? Your existing clients provide valuable marketing on your behalf. Make sure their customer experience is positive so that you get the benefits of positive word of mouth.
Keep Building
All of these steps are part of a continual process. Don’t just follow them and check them off your list. Keep reviewing them and continue working!