To a business owner, the most important aspect of his business is his customer. Without the customer, there would be no market and of course without market there would be no business. Depending on the nature of business, customer for the purpose of this expose could be referring to client or patrons. Thus,excellent customer relationships are crucial to the survival of a business.
Customer relationships are maintained through strategies that business owners use to manage customer interactions and ensure continuity of patronage. The aim of maintaining a good customer relationship is to improve business relationships with customers, assist in customer retention and ultimately enhance sales.
Ten tips that will help effect excellent customer relationships are
Be approachable
Some business owners simply have that face that makes you feel like you can’t approach them. I’ve heard customers complain that they don’t like shopping somewhere because the owner wasn’t friendly. Make yourself approachable by at least wearing a smile. Don’t allow negativity slip into your expressions. always wear a kind smile and use a soft tone even when talking to your employees (you don’t know who could be watching or listening).
Be engaging
Develop a sort of rapport with your customers even when it is your first time meeting them; engage them. Learn to be patronizing without being obvious about it. Indulge them if that’s what they need.
Know your customer
The first thing you should realize is that no two customers are the same. Every individual has different attributes and should be treated differently. I don’t mean offering special treatment to one and not the other, no. you just need to make everyone feel like they are getting special treatment.
Customers are always right
This is the oldest rule in the book. At the point of conflict, it doesn’t feel like ‘customers are always right’. It has to be the hardest rule to keep if there ever was one. No matter what happens, give your customers the benefit of the doubt. Hear them out and keep your temper under ‘lock and key’. This is key to having excellent customer relationships.
Be a great listener
Sometimes the customer that walks into your premises is simply looking for a place to vent or a listening ear. Listen without interruptions. Give a wise input when you can but make them feel better not worse.
Know your customers needs
Find out what your customers need that are not available at the moment and make them available. improve your products to further benefit your customers
Offer promotions from time to time
It is no secret that Nigerians like ‘awoof’ even the most distinguished one of them. From time to time, offer promos that will excite your customers and inspire them to buy more.
Coach your employees
The most common cause of breech in customer relationship often stems from a rude employee. In as much as you are developing a good relationship with your customers, ensure that your employees are doing the same. Coach your employees to be humble and polite.
Be available
A lot of business owners are simply unreachable. They come into work once in a while to check up on business. Try to make out time and be available for your customers. Make your customer and his needs your priority in business.
Stay in touch
Most relationships die because those involved failed to stay in touch with each other. Get in contact with your customers through phone calls, emails, or via social media. Customers are happier when they feel like you care about them.
A happy customer makes for a successful business and a happy business owner. Go out of your way to keep your customers and enjoy a blissful business environment and bigger income.
