How to Build Better Customer Relationships

Business is a “people activity” … people like to do business with people they know, like, and trust. Ones with whom they have relationships are at the top of the desirable business option list. The stronger the relationships with your customers, the greater will be their trust and loyalty in your business.

Studies show time and again, loyal customers are the aptest to tell their friends about your business, creating strong word-of-mouth marketing. Word of mouth marketing is the most important element of any marketing campaign.

So there are many important reasons to focus on building strong customer relationships. Here are eight tips to help you forge new, and strengthen existing, relationships:

First and foremost, be friendly and genuine … focus on making friends.

Smile and be pleasant to be around.

Be a good listener … Hear and remember the ‘remarkable’ for the next visit.

Tell the truth …ALWAYS… with no hidden agendas and ulterior motives. Marketing puffery is not the truth … consumers are very educated on products and services.

Offer free resources, information, and solutions … with no strings attached.

Make customers feel important.

Create conversation … seek out common interests by asking effective questions.

Always do what you say and use multiple ways to connect and close.

Remember … all customer-facing employees need to be engaged in customer relationship building.