Many of us are wondering how we can build a customer relationship that lasts? Social media has been a lifeline over the last few years, even more than in previous years. However after the difficult time we’ve all experienced recently, how likely are we to continue our online friendships? Especially now we can socialise and network freely, in person instead of just online.
Business relationships that were cemented over a love of coffee perhaps won’t survive in the real world. This is because we are all now looking for real and authentic business connections, instead of superficial chats while our tea brews.
This is not to say that your online business relationships are unimportant, we all have friends we’ve never met in real life but who have seen us through our toughest times. However what we all crave now are authentic connections with people, over and above superficial relationships.
We now see the value in connecting with others, in collaborating to create amazing projects. We are no longer scared to reach out and speak to each other, instead of striking up conversations and exchanging ideas with ease.
In the words of motivational speaker Jim Rohn:
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
This means we are conscious – now more than ever – of just how we spend our time. Are we working on creating authentic, long-lasting relationships with people? Or are we simply ticking a box and only being communicated with when the other person wants something?
📖 Read How to find clients for your business
Many of us have created businesses over the last few years, and in doing so surrounded ourselves with many others in a similar position. Our network has increased dramatically (which is no small feat) and those around us have become our cheerleaders.
Our network is our net worth, as said by Tim Sanders – meaning that those we surround ourselves with are paramount to the success of our business.
In this article I’m going to share with you my 6 tops tops on how to build a customer relationship that lasts.
Build Business Relationships That Last
1. Join a community that encourages making true connections
Engaging with the community in which your potentials clients or customers hangout can be highly impactful for your business.
Beyond showing that you care, community engagement can do wonders for your brand awareness.
Getting out there lets people know who you are and what you do. Even if those you’re directly interacting with aren’t exactly your target audience, they might mention you to their friends and family members who could benefit from your services.
🎤 Why not pop along to my community and introduce yourself
2. Ask for feedback and show you genuinely care
Customer feedback is critical to your ongoing success because you get to hear directly from your customers about what is and isn’t working. They want ways to leave feedback on your website, across social media, and over the phone and to see that their recommendations are being implemented.
Get ahead of your customers and ask them for feedback first. You’ll show that you value their opinion and that you care about what they have to say. Even better, let them know when you have take action on some feedback they have given you.
📖 Read How to Get Loyal Customers
3. Build trust
Building trust is about being honest and open, even when it’s not a good look.
For example, if it you know you’re going to be late to. deliver a product or you’re not going to meet their expectations then be open and honest as early as possible.
In most cases, a customer will be appreciative that you’ve kept them in the loop. Keeping them in the know builds trust.
4. Learn to listen, relationships are a two-way street
Position yourself as a partner in their campaigns. Value their feedback. Even if you’re an expert, allowing them to work with you will help build a long, trusting relationship.
Try using language like:
- “I see what you’re talking about.”
- “This is a valid concern.”
- “That really is frustrating, we’re glad you brought this up with us.”
- “Let’s make a plan to review this and report back with some solutions to remedy this”
📖 Read How a Business Mentor Can Help
5. Communicate and collaborate
As a key to any good relationship, communication is an essential way to build customer relationships. Promoting your business and listening to your customers are equally important.
Rather than just telling customers about your business, have conversations with them. Find out what your customers need, then show them that you have a solution to their problem.
6. Practice honesty, integrity, and treat others how you want to be treated
Treating your customer like a business will make your relationship purely transactional (i.e., no relationship at all). Treating them like family leaves too much room for miscommunications and unmet expectations.
Treating your customers like partners, on the other hand, sets the stage for a healthy mix of personal, purposeful, and transactional encounters where both your and your customers identities are preserved, and each of you supplies the essential ingredients for success.
The Power of Relationships
Business is about more than just making money. You dream of your brand being lucrative, but it’s quite difficult to make that a reality without attempting to build customer relationships.
Start small and with a group of people you already know — like your current customers. Ask them for feedback and alter your marketing strategies accordingly. Then, reward them for their loyalty and communication. You’d be surprised at what a big difference these little efforts can make in building relationships.
Thanks for reading ‘How to Build Relationships that Last’, wishing you success with your journey!
Jade *
P.S. If you are ready to take your business to the next level, and build real relationships, then checkout my online community over on Facebook – a place for entrepreneurs looking to access powerful support, create real relationships & develop new skills.