The following tips can be applied to virtually any profession or industry. If you think this goes without saying, I challenge you to make a personal assessment. Print this page and keep the list on your desk for a week. Place a check mark next to each item when you do an activity that meets one of these goals. Can you go through all these items in a week? Are you actively practicing the engagement you want from your customers?
If you want loyalty, you have to give it.
Make a list of your most important clients or clients. For your clients or general clients, demonstrate your commitment in general terms and especially when they need you. For larger customers, show your commitment and let them know how much you appreciate them. Sometimes loyalty requires sacrifice.
Communicate
Building a lasting relationship requires communication. Communication means listening to your client or client, as well as transmitting your own message. One-sided communication is a speech, mutual communication is a conversation. Communicate when things are going well and when there are problems. When things go as expected, let them know. When there are problems, provide the scope of the challenge and its solutions, preferably before the customer knows that the problems exist. This generates credibility, security and trust.
Understand your client’s objectives
The products or services you provide are only meaningful in the context of your customer’s objectives. What you do is intended to achieve financial or strategic goals, or fill a need. Understand and communicate your value from the customer’s perspective. Be aware of changes that may affect customer requirements and your perceived value so you can adjust accordingly.
Be consistent
One of the best ways to manage expectations is to be consistent. Be consistent with your quality, responsiveness, and delivery of goods or services. Establish a routine schedule for communication with your most important clients, so you can call “just to talk” and take the pulse of the relationship.
building credibility
There are two easy ways to build credibility. First, do what you say you are going to do. If you leave a message to call back or promise to follow up, call back when you said you would. Even if you don’t have all the answers, call when you commit to calling back. The second way to build credibility is to take the time to get the best answer. Sometimes you may not know the best response to a situation or request. Ask for time to investigate and come back with the most accurate answer or information you can get. Taking the time for accuracy can be much more beneficial to your customer than a quick but incorrect answer.
Jack Surprise Cookie
Offer your customers something more than expected. Don’t tell him ahead of time, just do something to show your appreciation. It can be as simple as a greeting card, an email, or a small token of appreciation. Loyalty is a relationship, and it should be nurtured just like you would a friend. Do not take it as a fact.
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words of wisdom
“An ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of intelligence.”
-Elbert Hubbard
“Unless a commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes… but no plans.”
-Peter Drucker
“A person’s quality of life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of activity.”
-Vince Lombardi
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