Clarity Coaching

Relationship marketing has been around for centuries. Marketing for your business has changes so much in last 5 to 10 years through the prevalent use of social media, the internet and technology.  However, relying on social media and technology to build relationships with your clients, customers and potential clients and customers can see relationship marketing take somewhat of a back seat. Relationship marketing is people to people, not computer to computer.  Yes, you can engage through social media and some great business is done using social media as a tool; however the relationships that you build and create using these tools cannot be under-estimated.

When we nurture on-line relationships to carry over in off-line relationships this is where the magic begins.  When we engage people, nature relationships and build both on and off-line relationships this is where you can have a client for life.  Considering engaging with your on-line friend’s ones you find a connection with and then slowly bring this to an off-line connection you will find a higher level of engagement.

Relationship marketing is also about the follow up, connections and support you encounter with the people you meet.  Entertain the idea of becoming the connector within your circle of influence.  Connecting business to business, people to people and being the 'go to' person will help to nurture your relationships.  In time you will start to see referrals build, connections flourish and business multiply just through the process of relationship marketing.

Is it new, certainly not!  Relationship Marketing has been around for centuries, sometimes we just lose site of the value of the relationship and get caught up in fast paced technology. 

When was the last time you went to a networking event? Picked up the phone, sent a card or arranged a coffee meeting? On a scale of 1 to 10 where does your relationship marketing fit within your personal life and business?

Want more referrals for your business?

Happy customers = More referrals (It's that easy!)

Nothing leads to referrals better than a satisfied customer.  Happy customers are going to go out of their way to tell people about your business.

So how do we develop happy customers?

Join me for our webinar series on 40 Ways to Grow Your Business.

We discuss 14 strategies for developing happy, loyal, customers.

http://www.40waystousecards.com/leecummins

These are free webinars you can join to learn strategies for:

- Growing your prospect list
- Expanding your network
- Developing customer loyalty
- Generating repeat business
- Increasing customer referrals

Register for our next webinar at:

http://www.40waystousecards.com/leecummins

If you're a business person or sales professional I know you'll find these webinars useful

Recently, I pondered this question....  For me a customer service experience starts on the day you first make the connection with a potential client or customer.  That’s right, even before they have purchased from you.  The whole interactive experience for a potential client or customer starts from the very first connection.   This is the time that your first impression counts whether it is a face to face meeting, a phone conversation, email or over the internet.  That first impression can be a lasting one.

 A month or so ago, I purchased a product from a major Telco player.  My initial connection with the company went seamlessly and the service I received was impeccable.  What happened preceding that initial interaction was where the whole customer service experience came unstuck.  I had inadvertently purchased a faulty product.  A few days after purchasing the product and about to use it I realised my product was faulty.  Returning to the place of purchase (with receipt in hand) I was sent on what could only be described as a 7 day run around.  After a humiliating and disturbing interaction with the store manager I then took it in my own hands to go farther up the ladder.  Now, the outcome although long winded was a suitable outcome and the service from ‘up the ladder’ was exceptionally good. 

This example shows that customer interaction, relations and service are on-going from the point of enquiry through to the purchase of a product or service and the on-going relationships. Just because the purchase has been secured doesn’t mean the customer service interaction should be removed or forgotten.    

In my business even after a client has finished a particular service the interaction continues.  The interaction can come in many different formats according to the particular client.  Interaction can include a ‘thank you for your business’ card, a follow-up phone call, email or letter.  It totally depends on the client and the service that has been provided for that particular client.  Follow up and providing a great if not exceptional customer service experience can be a simple cost effective solution to on-going product or service purchases, receiving referrals and being kept top of mind.

Do you have a great customer service solution for your business?  Do you show gratitude to your clients, customers or consumers?  If you would like to know more about a terrific referral/gratitude system, give me a call or email me.

Why not share a customer service experience.....