5 Basic Ways to Build Loyal Customer Relationships

You can bring in all the new customers you want, but if you aren't working to build those relationships, you will soon lose those customers. Loyalty isn't something you can expect new customers to give freely. You've got to earn their trust and loyalty. The only way this can be accomplished is by developing relationships. Your customers should know you care about them. Here are five straightforward ways to build those relationships.

1. Be an active listener.
2. Show genuine interest in your customer and his or her needs.
3. Become a problem-solver (even if it means sending them to your competitor).
4. Be attentive to providing exceptional customer service.
5. Admit mistakes and make efforts to correct problems immediately.

Turning a Customer into a Profitable Business Partner

As a business owner, often times you will find the majority of your sales is generated from repeat customers and referrals from those customers. Word-of-mouth advertising is very powerful, so when you find your new business is coming from your customers and their family, friends and associates, you know you are doing something right (although there is always room for improvement). Simply stated, your customers have come to know and trust you, and they like doing business with your company. All the more reason we, as business owners, should be working to improve the relationships we have with our customers.

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Knowing What Your Customers Want

Whether you are just starting out in business or you have been operating for many years, it is always important to periodically ask yourself, "What do my customers want?" Here is why. Click here to read the entire article.

Seven Ways to Build Customer Relationships

The success of every business is dependent on developing good customer relationships. The two key ingredients in nurturing customer relationships are time and trust. When you've worked hard at getting to know your customers and their needs, you can create products and services that exceed their expectations. If you do that consistently, in time, you'll gain their trust and loyalty.

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The Power of a Hand-Written Thank You in Business

When was the last time you received a hand-written thank you note? More importantly, when did you last write to someone to express your gratitude? With the fast pace of life and the ease of technology, we've fallen into the trap of communication devoid of any real personal touch.

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Are You Asking for Customer Referrals?

One of the best sources for new business is from your existing customers. If you've provided them with a top-notch product or service, your customers will be happy to give you repeat business. But there's also another way customers can help you grow your business, and that's by referring you to their family, friends and business associates.

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Some Resources for Your Business

When we have the opportunity, we like to share various resources with our readers. Here are just a few of the latest services and applications to help you be more productive:

• EchoSign - An electronic signature service that helps you manage contracts.
• FreeCRM - A free, web-based solution for customer relationship management.
• Freshbooks - A cloud solution for accounting.
• Outright - An on-line bookkeeping solution for small businesses.
• TimeTrade - A simple way to allow people to book appointments with you.
• Workface - This service provides enterprise-level, on-demand live text, audio and video chat that allows you to connect with your prospects and customers at a greater level.