Thursday, December 9, 2010

Retention: It Should be a Way of Life

Welcome to another blog post by Chris Teague!

I was having lunch with a colleague today who reminded to keep my blog posts short, so that you actually read the thing, so today's post will definitely be short. Let's begin...

Do you have an actual marketing program that is built with a primary objective to keep customers? Keeping customers is more than an ideal situation for your business, it should be a way of life. Seriously, your current customer is important! I know that you have probably heard this statement over and over, but I ask: "What are you doing to keep customers?" I really hope that you have an actual marketing plan designed to keep your customers coming back.

I'm not talking about sending out a weekly, or monthly newsletter announcing all the latest and greatest happenings at your business. Yes, this kind of engagement is important, but it really isn't a powerful way to connect with your customers. How many of you receive a postcard from your insurance person saying something like: "Hey valued customer! I hope you're well... Buy more insurance..." This type of contact could be considered part of a strategy to keep customers, but you can do better...

Here are three ways you can easily make your customers feel appreciated:

1. Actually call them on the phone to ask how they like the service they receive from you

2. Treat them to coffee or lunch and DO NOT discuss your business with them... Just chat about their family and say: "Thank you..."

3. Invite them to a social gathering at your house or business

I told you this was going to be short, so I am done with my post for today. I hope you enjoyed what you read and I also welcome your examples of keeping customers.

Your friend,
Chris Teague- That marketing guy you will like doing business with...

3 comments:

  1. When I had my computer store, I would send a thank you card to anyone who purhcased a computer. This would go out about a week after the delivery. A year later I would send out a "birthday" card to the computer with an offer for their owner to bring it in for a free cleaning.

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  2. Great points chris....it's not about the mantra of "sell, sell, sell!!!" but all about relationships...

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  3. I like the encouragement to "just be yourself." Being real is the most influential energy that can be inserted in one's marketing plan ... just my opinion.

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