Show your Customers you Care

Everyone wants to feel appreciated !!!

from Inc. Magazine 02/15 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz

There is currently a TV ad for a major Telecom company. After the saleswomen describes the benefits of the product to her customer, he responds, “I appreciate that you appreciate me as a customer.” She responds, “Well, we appreciate, that you appreciate that, we appreciate you.” They continue going back and forth describing how much they appreciate each other. While the commercial is funny, the message is basic. Everyone wants to feel appreciated, including your customers. There are many ways you can prove how you appreciate them and make them feel good about your business.

1) Remember the Key Contacts at your Customer: Everyone within your company who regularly interacts with customers must remember their names whether it is in person or over the phone. This small gesture tells your customers you value them.

2) Remember your Customer’s Preferences: If your customer has a special way they want things or if they consistently order the same items, remember what they like and how they like it.

3) Invite them to enjoy Special Customer Events: Show your most valued customers you appreciate their business, by inviting them to special events. Perhaps you can give them a special offer, on items they regularly purchase or access to a special sale available to a chosen few.

4) Take a Personal Interest in them: This one doesn’t mean prying into their private life or being nosy. It means showing a genuine interest in what is going on in their lives. Send a card on birthdays. If they mention a major life event such as a child’s graduation or a special anniversary trip, ask them about it next time you speak.

5) Support “their” Business: If you have a customer who is also a business owner, refer some customers their way – when you can. Chances are they’ll share some leads with you, too.

6) Solve their Problems: Understand your customer’s needs, and go out of your way to solve them. If there is a problem, don’t ignore it or sweep it under the rug. Respect your customer by acknowledging the problem, researching it, and fix it as soon as possible. Take steps to make sure it does not happen again.

7) Keep your Promises: Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Deliver on the promises you make to your customers.

8) Use your Manners: Saying “please” and “thank you” still work. It is a small gesture, but it goes a long way. Include your customer’s name when you thank them. Believe me it will make them smile.

9) Give Back: Does your customer have a favorite charity or cause? Show your support by participating in a fundraiser by hosting the event, donating a door prize or silent auction item, buying a table as a reward for your top employees, or promoting the event to your other customers.

10) Ask for their Feedback: Most customers are always ready to give you their feedback, suggestions, & ideas. All you need to do it ask. For example, are you thinking of adding a new product? Give a sample to your best customers. Ask them to try it out, and give you their feedback. They may just save you from sinking money into inventory that won’t sell.

Comments: Is there anything you can add to this?