Chip Bell shares five simple strategies to show your customers you care this Valentine’s Day—as well as throughout the year.
Long before the cupids, hearts, and flowers associated today with Valentine’s Day, love has been the center of the annual event dating back to 496 AD. But, how can businesses show customers they care in today’s economy? Here are my 5 tips..
1. All You Need is Love
With boldness and a forgiving attitude, reach out to angry customers and let them know you appreciate them. Learn from upset customers. Even if they have parted ways from you, thank them for their time with you. Some customers will be sceptical and distrustful but don’t let it deter you from spreading affection.
2. A Generous Heart
One powerful route to the heart of a customer is a generous attitude. This doesn’t require the company to break the bank but requires actions centered around the right attitude that not only leaves a customer happy but pleasantly surprised.
3. Authentic Caring
Customers value wholesome relationships–encounters with all the con, ploy and gaminess completely stripped out. The late psychologist Carl Rogers claimed “unconditional positive regard” was the core substance of all healthy relationships. It means caring with an agenda serving without an ulterior motive.
4. Include Everyone
Don’t spend all of your attention on your newest or best customers. Give them all a chance to become “your valentine”. Giving a valentine or valentine-like expression to customers who are not advocates just might turn them into one. It might change their relationship from consumers to clients or from transaction acquaintances to partnership alliances.
5. Indirect Gifts
Valentine’s Day is not just about giving your customers a reminder of your ardor; it might also be a chance to provide indirect attention on something or someone emotionally important to her or him. Don’t wait for customers to wear an “Ask Me About My Granddaughter” button, rather find ways to learn the target of their affinity and add it to your list as well.
Most customer relationships don’t end in conflict instead they vanilla to death. Neglect is more dangerous than strife, indifference is more costly than error.
About the Author
Chip Bell is a service consultant, sought-after keynote speaker, and the author of such bestselling and award-winning books as “Wired and Dangerous” (co-authored with John Patterson), “Take Their Breath Away” (also with John Patterson), “Managers as Mentors” (with Marshall Goldsmith) and “Managing Knock Your Socks Off Service” (with Ron Zemke). His newest book is “The 9½ Principles of Innovative Service”.
