Monday, December 21, 2009

'Tis the season of customer retention


I have received more emails, newsletters and blog postings from all whom I have encountered during this very tough year of 2009.  That's ok, but doesn't float my enthusiasm boat. I think in tough times, personal touch means everything! So 'tis the season to GET PERSONAL!

Clients love to hear from their vendors, vendors love to hear from their clients.  Your personal touch means you care, you are ready to listen to them about what is going on in their lives and you both will walk away with a feeling of mutual gratitude.

Here is a reach and touch a customer tips for the season:
  1. Make a list with phone numbers of all clients, however brief, that you did business with this year.
  2. Make a list of all the vendors, with phone numbers, however brief, that you did business with this year.
  3. Prepare a thank you statement that has at least three versions.  Ex: Hi I am calling to thank you for your business this year.  Hi, I am calling to thank you for being such a great vendor.  I so appreciated bringing the (insert product/service name) to (XYZ company).  Have a happy new year and a prosperous 2010!
  4. Take one hour each morning until December 31st and CALL EVERY CLIENT and VENDOR. Use the prepared statement as a springboard for what you really say. 
  5. Don't ask for anything - no referrals, no more business, no reminders.  Just a THANK YOU to them for having chosen your product or service.  Just a THANK YOU to those vendors that did a great job servicing your account.
You will be amazed at the reaction you will get and you will automatically rise to the top of visibility list.
Happy Holidays to all of you!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yep! Generally have a coffee every Wednesday with the contact person of my biggest client. Pays huge dividends!

Strategies For Growth said...

Wonderful! What about your other clients. Smaller ones will often refer you to others, non?

Anonymous said...

I have long followed Innerwealth's advice. It's usually dead on. clients and vendors are human: they love to hear thanks from you during the holidays!