Tuesday, January 3, 2012

"You don't own me" On keeping customers by treating them right

http://youtu.be/-gx-mknOV54   (Leslie Gore original)

You work hard to attract customers, right? Mailings, a great sales force, ads, publicity. But what are you doing to keep them?  You don't own them, so they could move to your competitors if the grass looks greener over there.

Business wisdom says current customers are your best source for ongoing business. After all, they already know and trust you. Whether they bring you referrals, product sales, or monthly retainers, customers are the life blood of your operation. Communication -- sharing information and knowledge -- is a good way to keep customer relationships healthy and keep customers happily corralled. 

Here are some communications programs that work well with customers.

1)  BLOGS or NEWSLETTERS - You have expertise and information customers need. Streamline the communication process by sharing that expertise in a newsletter or blog.  This lets you package and brand key information so your firm is seen as an expert. Make sure your staff members know about these tools so they can use them with customers and prospects.

2)  WEBINARS - Better educated customers are BETTER customers. Get credit for providing the knowledge by sponsoring webinars, seminars, workshops, and clinics.

3)  SOCIAL MEDIA - Is your audience using LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter to get information about your service?  If they're there, you need to be there, too.  Once you've established your presence, you can use it to treat your "fans" to exclusive deals, early access to information, special tips and tricks, whatever's of value to them.

4)  WEBSITE – The Internet is a popular information source. Use it! At minimum set up a basic site prospective customers can visit. Even better, set up a customers-only section that's password protected. Fill the section with information customers want - articles, tip sheets, a forum for posting questions and getting expert answers, downloadable forms, handbooks, etc.  Not sure what to include? Poll some of your best customers.



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