When you work as a sales professional, it’s easy to think of customers as someone you just need to close a sale with. However, you should avoid that mindset if you hope to develop long-term relationships with customers that will return to you for multiple sales in the future.
When you take the time to develop customer relationships, you’re building the core foundation of your company’s business success. After all, selling one item to one person and moving on to the next is not nearly as profitable as selling multiple items to one person. Here we cover strategies you can implement immediately to improve your customer relationship-building skills.
How to Communicate More Effectively with Your Customers
The best thing you can do to increase trust with customers to is to answer their questions as quickly as possible. This sends the message that their concerns matter and that you want to help resolve them. Always focus on what you can do for your customers and not the things you’re unable to do. This helps to keep interactions positive.
We recommend showing your customers that you truly care about them by checking in periodically just to see how they are doing. Lastly, never use industry jargon among people who aren’t going to know what you’re trying to say.
Professionalism and Appreciation
To avoid confusion with your customers, ensure that your company branding remains the same across both physical and online platforms. It’s also a good idea to review your website and inspect your physical location regularly to make sure they represent you well. Never forget to show appreciation for your customers by simply saying thank you, or by promoting their company whenever possible.
Nothing Else Matters without Excellent Customer Service
The fastest way to lose a customer and to find your company the subject of negative online reviews is to break a promise. While anyone can make a mistake, there’s no justification for not keeping your word.
If you do occasionally fail to live up to the customer’s expectations of you, make sure that you have a recovery plan in place that includes asking him or her how to make the situation right. That shows how much you value the relationship. Another way to strengthen customer relationships is by attempting to solve whatever problems your customer comes to you with, if possible, even when they have nothing to do with your business.
The Importance of Working with Business Mentors
What better way to offer exceptional service to your customers than to work with a business mentor who has faced the same challenges you deal with every day? Your business mentor will challenge you to achieve goals, listen to your problems, offer objective advice, and so much more. Ideally, this person should be several years older than you and currently working or retired from the same industry.
If you can’t think of anyone to fill this role, Juvo Business Group can help. You can choose between a one-time consultation or working with a business coach on an ongoing basis. Of course, you’re always free to do both. We are small business consultants who strive to use our experience and passion to help business owners achieve their goals.
