Here are 4 ways to keep clients happy in this day and age. Does the world seem to be speeding up? Is it because I’m older, or are things faster than 5, 10, or 15 years ago? The pace of new information is nearing light speed. Does the ever-increasing access to information make customers more likely to switch loyalties to the next greenest grass? Is it more difficult to keep clients happy than it was a few years ago? Can customer loyalty be nurtured, and if so, how can this be accomplished?
4 Ways to Keep Clients Happy
1. Help Them
If you want to build relations and keep clients happy, begin by helping your customers. Learn their industry and business and then help them solve their problems. Send them business. Introduce prospects to them and broadcast their products and services. Like them on Facebook. Retweet them on Twitter. Comment on LinkedIn posts. Support their efforts. If they invite you to an event, whether it’s an open house, golf outing, or convention—go. If you can help in ways other than your product or service, do it. For example, I’ve helped numerous customers with their SMM (social media marketing) for no other reason than I could help.
2. Make it Personal
Get to know your customers and not just their business. What are their hobbies and interests? When appropriate, ask about their families. Keep a notebook with spouses’ names, kids’ names, and activities. How impressed would you be if a company representative walked into your office and said, “Little John’s starting his first year at Purdue, isn’t he?” Know what charities, schools, and sports teams your client support.
3. Introduce Your Team
Give your loyal customer access to your entire team but especially the boss. Schedule a Zoom meeting and introduce your client to the president, CEO, and COO. Allow customers to tour your facilities and meet the faces behind your product.
4. Treat Them Special
They are special! Without loyal customers, your business becomes harder, much harder. Give them a fast pass and let them cut in line. Make it easy to communicate. Be easy to work with. Assign a CSR to them. Give them unsolicited promos and perks.
Some Things Haven’t Changed
The world may be revolving at a faster clip. There may be more demands on people than ever before, but some things are constant. And one of those things is when you treat people with consideration, most remember. Will everyone? Nope, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try, or you should give up when they don’t. If you treat your customers with respect, help them, and become their friend, many will become more than customers. They’ll become partners. And that’s a great way to do business.
How Can I Help You?
I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me.
So, does your business have a management training plan? Because, if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.
