Whether you work for a giant global company, or a small local business group, growth is always very important. One of the best ways to gain new business clients is word of mouth – and the best way to earn trust is by making a strong impression with new clients, as well as keeping your relationship with existing customers.
One-on-one interactions with people will help build the strongest relationships and ensure a positive experience for everyone involved, leaving a lasting impression.
The following are a few tips and ideas on how you can earn positive feedback from current clients and help to gain new ones –
1~ Build Trust. The best way to keep existing clients happy and ensuring that they remain to do business with you is by gaining their trust. Always be upfront and honest with your clients and remember that a reputation is built on a job well done and trust – and can take time. Learn what each specific client likes and needs, and remember it. Keeping everyone content is important, as word of mouth is the best way to earn new business.
2~ Work Hard. Never cut corners or put tasks on fellow colleagues for your clients. Hard work is essential in business and will not go unnoticed. Go the extra mile, if needed, to let every client know how important their business is to you.
3~ Request Feedback. Be sure to talk to your clients seasonally and ask for their feedback so that you know if you are meeting their needs. If they offer criticism, learn from it and don’t get defensive. If the feedback is positive, ask if they are willing to write a short endorsement that you can use on brochures or other marketing pieces, letting others know about their good experience with you.
4~ Volunteer. Get involved in volunteer projects in your local community. Donating time to local non profit organizations is a positive way to distinguish you from your competitors.
5~ Build Relationships. While always trying to search for new customers, it is equally important to continue to build the relationship that you have with existing clients. Make sure to touch base with them regularly with emails or even by stopping into their office for a quick follow-up visit.
6~ Use Social Media. Always make sure that you continually check your social media accounts and keep them professional and up to date. With the world now using social media to keep up with almost everything – using it and promptly answering questions asked, shows that you are focused and both interested and able to serve new customers.
7~ Don’t Forget to Say Thanks. Every new client that you get as a referral from an existing customer should receive a thank you. Let them know how important it is to you by hand writing them a note and sending it by mail or sending over a tray of cookies or coffee to their office. This shows your appreciation much more than a quick impersonal email and can also mean enough to them to earn more referrals in the future.
Gaining new clients is much more than just marketing. It means putting in hard work, earning trust and going the extra mile. Doing these things will help put you ahead of your competition and build an excellent reputation in the business world.
