
Today is my oldest son's 12th birthday. Despite the fact that he had an orthodontist appointment this morning, the rest of the day has been spent showering him with attention - buying him a new pair of flipflops for post-hockey game wear, baking his favorite cake and letting him lick the icing off the mixer's beaters, and reminding him of the story of the day he was born.
So what does this have to do with The WordSlingers' October back to basic (B2B) communication theme. Well, whether its someone in your family or someone who does business with you, everyone likes to feel appreciated. As I've said many times on this blog, small businesses have the advantage over large in that they are more often than not, closer in physical proximity and in rapport. So you can get an even bigger bang for your appreciation buck. Here are few tips:
- Remember customers don't have to buy from you - they could choose not to buy at all or they could choose another vendor. When they choose you, make sure they know you appreciate that choice. Those 2 little words - thank you - go a long way.
- No one ever tires of being showered with attention - keep your customers coming back to you because you provide them personalized service that they don't get elsewhere.
- Make it a point to know your repeat customers and acknowledge to them that you realize they've made recurrent purchases.
There are many more ways to show your appreciation and make your customers feel special. Figure out what works with your particular communication style, your type of business and your target market and then make it a part of every interaction with your customers.
Related Posts
B2B Communications - Stay in Touch with Your Customers
B2B Communications - Always Double Check Your Work
B2B Communications - Making a Good 1st Impression
B2B Communications - Think Before You Speak
B2B Communications - Handling Business Invitations with Style