When was the last time you communicated with your customers without asking them to buy something? If you have to search your memory banks for the answer, then "Houston we have a problem!"
You see, as human beings, we all like to feel wanted and appreciated. It's in our DNA, and when we don't feel wanted and appreciated it upsets us.
Think about it. Doesn't it upset you when you don't feel appreciated?
Of course it does. Well, your customers feel the same way. And here's something very important you need to keep in mind:
The only reason your business exists is because of your customers. Without them, you have no business. So take them for granted and risk losing them to your competition, at your own peril.
Remember, you're not the only game in town. And if your customers feel unloved by you and decide to run away from home, there will always be another company waiting with open arms to take them in.
That's why, instead of always sending your customers a sales pitch, every once in a while, you should send your customers a note telling them how much you appreciate them, and thanking them for their business.
Some companies understand the importance of appreciating their customers, and include a thank you note with every order, but many don't.
So why is thanking your customers so important?
Four reasons:
1. Common courtesy. It's the right thing to do.
2. Your customers save you money on advertising with repeat business.
3. Your customers help grow your business with word-of-mouth-advertising (referrals) to friends and family, as well as complete strangers.
4. Your customers help with market research by giving you valuable feedback.
Thanking your customers is a powerful marketing technique. It will not only generate more business for you in the long term, it will also go a long way toward establishing and maintaining goodwill with your customers.
And that's something you just can't put a price on!
NOTE: This article is also available in video version on my YouTube channel.
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You are so right!
ReplyDeleteWe are all sourcing out new customers but we can't forget the past/present customers. They are a strong source of repeat business and referrals.
I always ask for feedback when I have completed a project for a customer.
During the Christmas season, I sent an email card to all my past/present customers wishing them well, that I appreciate their business and look forward to continuing our business relationship in the future. I also included a certificate for $25. off their first invoice of 2009 to encourage repeat or new business.
It is always harder to get new customers than to provide customer satisfaction to existing and past customers in order to get repeat business or referrals.
Good for you! It does my heart good when I hear that there are still businesses out there that try to do right by their customers.
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