Appreciate Your Customers And They Will Appreciate You

Ever wonder why the best salespeople always seem to retain those huge accounts, even when there may be better or cheaper products out there to which the customers could be switching? While there are a number of reasons for this, one of the really huge, gigantically important ones is that these superstar salespeople make their customers feel appreciated.

I personally find that the number one reason my repeat customers come back is because I make sure they know how thankful I am that they choose to buy from ME. Very few things in life feel better than knowing other people are grateful for what you do for them, and I do my very best to assure my customers that my gratitude is immense, and that I would love to continue serving them in whatever way I can. There are a number of ways to show your patrons that they are your priority, and here are a few examples:

· Private Line of Contact: Create an email address separate from the one you use at work (but also separate from your home email, let’s not get crazy) and use it purely to communicate with your best customers. When a customer sees you as an associate rather than just a representative of your employer, the potential for a long-term relationship grows tremendously, which equates to lasting business for you.

· Periodic Value-Adding Info: Every so often, send your best customers some form of correspondence that provides them with real value. For example, sales guru Jeffrey Gitomer sends his customers a weekly email newsletter that provides sales tips, techniques, and articles from guest writers. A monthly or quarterly letter detailing some of the new products or discounts at your company is a good idea as well.

· Hand Written Thank You Note: Your mom taught you this one when you were little, and guess what? It’s still completely relevant! There is absolutely, totally, hands down no better way to show your appreciation than sending an individual, personalized thank you card written by hand. A printed card with your signature is okay, but if you really want to seal the long-term deal, grab a roller-ball pen and write the whole message.

These are just a few ideas. How do you share your appreciation with your customers? I’d love to hear from some salespeople on this, as well as professionals in other fields.