Your customers are the most important thing for your business. They are literally the only way your business is alive today. So it’s important that you take the time to make sure that your customers know that they are valued and respected additions to your business. One of the best ways you can do this is to have face to face interactions with your customers. This way they get to see the human side of the business, and it’s a lot more personal than an email. However, you can’t just go around and have a coffee with every one of your customers.

Customer service

Making sure that customer service is perfect throughout your company is vital. Every person, regardless of whether they talk to customers on a daily basis or once in a blue moon, should have exemplary customer service. It all begins from the top however, and the top means you – the owner. Management always sets the example for everyone else, so make sure the service you are providing is consistent throughout the company and throughout the ranks. Good customer service is about more than a smile and a hello. It’s remembering loyal customers and talking to them about their day. It’s about offering a helping hand to people who need it, and making allowances in extreme or emergency situations.

Conventions

Business and industry conventions tend to be a great place for you to build new connections, but not so much for attracting customers. Look into big events and conventions where plenty of non-business people will be in attendance. Perhaps there’s a huge fashion convention, perfect for your new makeup brand, or a VW Camper show that is a great setting for your vintage repair shop. A custom built exhibition stand would give you the edge and help you stand out from the crowd – and enable customers to have the space to talk to you about your products. It’s a great way for you to promote your business to a wider audience while also touching base with loyal customers.

Local Events

Your immediate community is an incredibly important part of your business, and you should always look at giving back. You might support another new business with your custom, or be involved with the local scouts or charity group. Being a face in the community that people know and recognise will do nothing but good for your company, plus it will be a great way for you to get to know you customers and possibly attract more. There is no better advertising than word of mouth; people trust each other more than they ever will an advert.

Meeting Clients

If your business relies on clients, then you should make the effort to meet with them. And not just for the initial meetings. Make a point to see them for updates or changes to your company or the contract you have with them, and they will greatly appreciate it. Sometimes all you need to do is treat people as a friend and they will respond in kind.