A healthy growth spurt in the life of a business doesn’t usually just happen. Many times it is the result of a steady drip-drip of a few factors. One factor that’s often overlooked is building client relationships. You can achieve greater growth by effectively learning how to grow your business using these methods from day one. Here are four ways to build relationships with your clients.
Ask for feedback. The small business owner can’t be afraid to ask clients questions about the service they received. Feedback, even negative feedback, can help you grow your business. Once or twice a year, send a survey and ask questions about the customer service, product performance and overall performance. When you show your clients that you care, they will know that you care!
Send customized thank you cards. Looking for a way to differentiate your business from the rest? Build stronger relationships by sending a handwritten or customized thank you note. Make the note as specific as possible, referring to the product or service purchased.
Pay it forward. The “social minded” business isn’t a mythical creature–it’s how you do business in the 21st century! If you want to build strong customer relationships and successfully grow your business, give back to your local community as an additional thank you. Get involved in causes your clients love. Work with your customers to achieve goals like raising awareness or even fundraising.
Adopt the 2-2-2 rule. Contact new customers two days after they purchase your product or your service is completed. Always follow up after two weeks and then two months with a phone call, email or written correspondence. This is a great way to build stronger ties with your customers.
Build a strong foundation for your business. Grow those client relationships, one communication at a time, because it’s much more expensive to gain new customers than it is to keep the ones you have.
Remember, running a business successfully does not need to be complicated. Keep it simple!
Business owners, check out ways I can help you find hidden profit and improve cash flow at www.portalcfo.com.
Manny Skevofilax is a consultant, speaker, and author who helps business owners maximize profits and overcome growth challenges to achieve financial freedom. An expert in strategic planning, financial statement analysis, and business operations, he’s been achieving extraordinary outcomes for his clients since 2003. Prior to starting his consultancy, he was a vice president with Comerica Bank, a U.S.-based commercial lending institution. His new book is Ultimate Profit Management: Maximizing Profitability as You Grow Your Business which was published by Taylor & Francis.
Learn more at portalcfo.com. Manny can be reached at 410-808-3441 or via email at manny@portalcfo.com.
