The Ultimate Business Growth Hack: Love Your Customers

“No Man (or Woman) is an Island”

I really like this  poem written by John Donne in 1624. Originally a devotional meditation, it became known as a beloved poem and shows how important we are to each other.

This week we’re considering how loving your customers and staff can grow your business. Without customers you have no one to buy your products or services. Without staff or team members, you carry the load solely on your own shoulders. So, here are three tips to show these important people how much you value them:

1. Appreciate your customers. Your customers are your business. They are the lifeblood of your income. It has been rightly said that it is less expensive to keep an existing customer than to acquire a new one. So, value your customers and them happy and they will stick with you. They will also introduce you to other like-minded people and help grow your business.
   
   How often do you let them know you appreciate them? One of the best ways to show appreciation is to send a handwritten notecard thanking them for their business, friendship, and the opportunity to serve them.
   
   Another way to show appreciation to customers is to host a customer appreciation event. Gather your customers, connect them with other customers, and watch your business grow. Here’s a white paper with 10 terrific tips to help you plan your own event.

2. Help your customers.
   We thank customers to grow our business. But how often do you  ask your customers how you can help them in any other way that is not tied to your business? Helping your customers this way will build great inroads to greater connections and friendships.
   
   A great question to ask is this,
   
   “I appreciate your business and friendship. And I appreciate the introductions you’ve made to friends and family. How can I help you and your family or business? I meet many interesting and well-connected people. What are you working on now and who would you like me to introduce you to?”

3. Love your employees.
   
   Sadly, the unsung heroes of many businesses are the very same people who make things happen. Your secretary, office manager, HR, or IT person provides invaluable service and supports your business. Whether you are the company owner or a sales representative, the better you show appreciation and value to fellow workers, the better the business thrives.
   
   Rather than just a present at Christmas, why not show appreciation throughout the year? Institute an employee of the month contest, show appreciation with gift cards at office meetings, or provide a special parking spot for employee of the year? Happy employees make for a happier, more efficient business. Read this white paper on innovative ideas to appreciate your employees and watch the video for more tips to show your employees you care.