Keep Loyal Customers Satisfied with Personalized Service

While it is important for you to be personable with every customer, your repeat customers deserve service that goes beyond simple courtesies. You should make a serious effort not only to get to know your loyal customers, but also to understand and anticipate their needs and let them know you value them as an asset […]

Write A Thank-You Note When You Lose the Sale

Anybody can remember to write a thank-you letter to a customer after a successful sale or referral. When else should you say thanks? After a final refusal, or when the customer decides to buy from a competitor. A brief, polite, handwritten note thanking a prospect for his or her time and consideration is one of […]

Battle the Three Primary Reasons Customers Defect

In the fight for new customers, what is your company doing to retain those you already have? Probably not enough. Increase customer retention by addressing the three reasons most customers stop doing business with a particular company:  Value discrepancy. This means that you’re not delivering what customers think their money is worth. It includes such […]

Powerful Telephone Skills

Be precise with clients. Avoid these murky statements when talking with customers:  “I’ll rush the order.” Better: “I’ll overnight it today.” “We’re working on it.” Better: “I’ve asked our delivery manager to schedule it for…” “I’ll call you back.” Better: “I’ll call you by…” “You’ll have it soon.” Better: “You’ll have it by…”

Improve Client Relationships in a Wired World

Since electronic communication has permanently changed business, it’s necessary to take special steps to protect customer relationships. Here are some tips to help you stay in touch in the age of electronic gatekeepers:  Schedule face-to-face meetings. Find time to have lunch or to attend an industry meeting with your customers. We risk becoming so work-focused that […]