Three weeks ago I identified the four forms of Business Relationships. They are:
- Strategic Partnership Relationship
- Referral Relationship
- Internet Relationship
- Vendor/Supplier - Customer Relationship
Vendor/Supplier to Customer Relationship - For the most part if we are selling a product or service then we are a vendor or a supplier. As vendors, we have a commitment and a responsibility to our customers to provide high quality products and services. If we fall short of this commitment and responsibility we owe it to our customer and to the relationship with our customer to rectify the situation as quickly and painlessly as possible. After all a customer is our most valuable asset and our relationship with that customer is the most valuable relationship!
The importance of maintaining good customer relationships is widely known but not widely practiced. Many times once we get a customer, instead of continuously cultivating the relationship we become complacent and simply go on to the next prospect while ignoring the last customer. The most successful business people are not only seeking new business but are also cultivating the relationships of existing customers. They understand that without customers there is no business.
Enhancing and cultivating customer relationships can be done through communicating in the following ways:
- Telephone calls - to see if everything you provided the customer is to their liking
- Visit - Customers are always impressed by periodic visits, especially if you take them to lunch or have a special deal or discount on future purchases
- Email - A follow up email to see if there is anything else you can do
- Greeting Card - To show your appreciation and gratitude in having them as a customer
- Gifts - A small gift card ($5) to Starbucks on occasion will go a long way in the customer's eyes.
Pam Patrone
Building Business Relationships
508-942-9307
pamela284@yahoo.com
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