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Any business owner who has ever opened a shop has done so with the hope of being successful. No one wants to see their business venture fail. However, those who open a business may not be entirely equipped with the information they need to make sure their business succeeds. After all, you can follow all of the examples in the book, but if your profit margins still aren't where you'd like them to be, then you may want to examine the state of your relationship with your customers .
After all, your customers are what drive your profits. If they're not happy, then they're not going to buy your products or utilize your services. A successful business makes sure that their relationship with their customers thrives. How can you make sure that your business does the same?
Consider some of these tips to bolster your relationship with your customers. 1. Communication
Customers like to be heard. Everyone has opinions, and while not all of those opinions may be right, people still like to be acknowledged. As a business, it is vital that you communicate with your customers. Gone are the days where business owners only had to worry about sending their message via an advertisement. In the days of social media, there is no excuse for why a business isn't communicating with their customers.
You should also make sure this communication is meaningful and effective. It isn't enough to simply thank them for their patronage--though that should still occur. Instead, you should reach out to them. Ask them about their experience, their needs, and how you might be able to fill them. At the very least, it might show you a way to innovate your product or service to meet that need and set you apart in the market.
Perhaps one of the best situations you can be in when it comes to communication is when someone complains. With careful negotiations training , you can listen to their need, offer empathy, and then seek a solution with them. By doing so, especially in a public place like on social media, you can show the rest of your customers that you value their service and any concerns they have with your business. It also shows them that you are willing to listen to them and can admit to any mistakes that your business may have made. In short, it makes your business appear more trustworthy and human to them. That can be a very appealing image.
2. Exceed The Expectations
While your customers already expect to have great service or a high-quality product, you can really wow them by taking those expectations and turning them on their head. One method to achieve this is to under promise but then over deliver. So, if you state that you'll be there at a certain time, do your best to show up or deliver that product earlier. They'll be delighted by the quick service or delivery and believe that you can get the job done a lot faster than other companies. Customers love a good surprise. You can supply them with many.
3. Ask For Feedback
Whether you utilize a sort of powwow where you have everyone online at a given time, or you just have a space for customers to send their feedback, you should make sure that you are interacting with those customers. By asking for feedback and then replying to it sympathetically, you can show your customers that you are listening to their needs. Implementing some of those changes, too, will show them that you're earnest about listening to what they want.
Related: How To Create a Company Culture That Unites EmployeesLasting Loyalty
By listening to your customers, you can develop a strong loyal customer base. These customers will help your business thrive and drive your profit margins towards the green. Cultivate these customer relationships and thrive.