8 TIPS FOR DEVELOPING LOYAL CUSTOMERS
You will
agree with me that one of the most tiresome tasks of being a small business
owner is constantly establishing loyalty from your current clients, while
developing relationships with new ones. It can take months
, and even years to
build a great relationship, yet only few minutes to destroy it.
However,
having used these tips for a while now I believe they will help you, just like
they helped me. Read on and learn them to heart. Put them to use and begin to
keep record and enjoy customer loyalty in your small business. Also, share with
those in your circles that will benefit from this; just like I just did with
you. Let’s roll.
1.
Be Honest
Part of
establishing loyalty with a client is developing a pattern of transparency so
there are no grey areas in your business relationship. Whether in your pricing
or delivery, work quality or business-client relationship, you need to hold
true to your promises. When you don’t hold true to your word, you not only
crush your reputation, you waste other people’s time and money and loose
business. Please don’t compromise your honesty.
2.
Show Kindness
Everybody wants
to be cared for, even me. In your business-client relationships, you have to
make it apparent from the beginning that you genuinely care for your customer’s
needs. One of the best ways to show you care is to become a great listener.
Inherit your client’s vision as if it was your own, and always try to save them
time and resources.
3.
Have Integrity
You need to
hold true to your character and your values as a business owner. Your character
and your integrity is all you have at the end of the day. Do not put on a front
for a client, if that is not truly how you or your business operates. For your
own sake and the sake of your clients, stay true to who you are.
4.
Stick to Your Talent
Your clients
trust you for the specific talents that you have. Contain yourself, and don’t
go outside your area of expertise. Clients respect those who can direct them to
an expert, rather than those who pretend to be an expert. I assure you, this
will enhance your talent. And stay abreast of whatever is happening in your
industry at all times.
5.
Generate Results
People trust
people who generate results. You can have all the energy, passion and zeal in
the world, but if you do not generate results, it is only a matter of time
before the loyalty between you and your client dwindle. I strongly believe in
the principle of ‘under promising and over delivering”.
6.
Connect Deeper
There is
something amazing that happens when you can find a common denominator between
you and a client and focus in on that. Whether it is your passion for a certain
sport, or your love for your kids, your clients are human and like to have
connections with those they work with and/or hire to do work for them. This
concept is very similar to how a waiter or waitress tries to connect with their
customers for bigger tips and to keep them coming back.
7.
Stay Consistent
Most clients
are smart enough to weigh their options between different companies before
establishing a relationship. If someone hires you, it is most likely because
they have done their research and/or like your previous work enough to call
you. One of the easiest ways to make them happy and loyal is via your consistency.
8.
Practice Grace
Sometimes you are going to get burned. It is
not every business-client relationship that will turn out great. There will
always be those clients that you just can seem to make happy and they certainly
are not loyal. Sometimes a client just needs to know that you are patient and
willing to stand firm when the crap hits the fan. You never want to give up,
but rather turn the other cheek.
I know that these tips work because they
have kept lots of business relationships for me in the past eight years plus. Try
them and master them and teach others in your circle; you may never know how
many businesses you will help keep their customers loyal. I wish you all the
best.
Please if you have additional tips, you can add them as comments for we all to benefit from. Thank you!
Also
read: Results and Excuses, Business and Sex, Lagos Molue Lessons, Thinking Outside the Box, 100 Things Leke Taught Me and The Story of Anyway.
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