When it comes to business, what’s often overlooked is just how important relationships are. If you took out a loan or convinced a few investors to bankroll your operation, chances are you had to develop some kind of relationship with them or the entity that they represent; Otherwise, it would have been awfully hard to secure that initial investment. In Tukan Das’ “Stop Worrying About Sales and Build Relationships“, he writes about how traditional advertisements no longer work, and that the best way to foster the growth of your business is to reach out to your customers. Knowing that what if we started looking at our customers as potential/ actual investors in our businesses? Isn’t that what they are already doing when they purchase your product? They are actively supporting your business, every time they choose your product, instead of someone else’s. They are very clearly stake holders, who may not profit monetarily from the success of your business, but they will gain a sense of ownership, and pride as your business gains steam.
It is because of these things, that we believe the best way to build your business for the long haul, is the engagement or building relationships with your customers. Ask any grooming expert, barber, or hair stylist why they’re customers keep coming back: They can get a decent cut or style from another person across town, but a big reason (outside of quality) is the bedside manner, the relationship they develop with their stylist or barber. When a great service is given, customers can feel anything from being nurtured, supported to inspired, and ready to take on the world. That’s what it’s all about. If you can make your customer feel that way about your service, or product, then you’re not only doing it right, but you’re giving people reasons to talk about you to their networks. You’ve given them something they didn’t even know they wanted: You’ve made them feel good about their purchase. Engagement and building relationships are very much tied to customer satisfaction and great customer service.
Das goes on to explain that you can use most social media as tools to do all of these things; Instead of just trying to sell, sell, sell your product to Joe Schmoe, try to engage @JSchmoe77 on twitter when you see he’s looking for a gift for his wife’s birthday; Be willing to take that first step, and start the conversation! It’s a much more hands on approach that may take some time to develop, but in the long run, Joe and all of his friends may now become regular customers of your shop. If you focus on truly serving your customers, they will continue to support you and grow your business for you. Not a bad deal at all when you think about it…