Keeping Clients Happy Keeps them Coming Back

Whether you are a seasoned small business professional, or you have just opened your doors to new clients, your marketing strategy should not only involve bringing in new business, it should also include keeping your current clients, your most important asset, happy and coming back for more or referring your services.

Top-notch customer service is the most important contributing factor in the success of your business. Unfortunately, there are some business professionals who don't live by that sentiment. I'm not sure if they don't understand the advantages of making clients feel like number one, but let's see if we can't keep ourselves from forgetting those that have helped our businesses get where they are today.

Providing exceptional customer service centers around ensuring your customers are happy. They need to feel that you improve your business to help improve their business. There are several processes that will prove your dedication to exceptional customer service and are a must for all business professionals.

  • Provide the best service and provide it on time. Keeping customers happy means you give them your very best and you make sure to deliver when you say you will. If for any reason you have to delay delivery, be honest with your client and inform them of the situation. If the delay will be of any inconvenience to your client, be sure to compensate them or offer to help alleviate the crisis.

  • Really listen to your clients and their needs. You may be able to provide expert advice but they usually know what they want. Work WITH them to give them exactly what they need and that will help improve their business. And, the same holds true when reversed. If your client makes a suggestion to you to help improve your business, consider their opinion. After all, they are the experts about what they need from you.

  • Strive to always improve your services. With the advancements in technology, it is always a good idea to update your skills. But, that shouldn't be the only reason. Enhancing your services allows you to offer more to your clients and thus keeps them happy.

  • Provide a guarantee. This is a vital aspect of exceptional customer service. Satisfaction is something everyone wants. If they are 100% happy with what you have provided them, they will be your biggest contributor to future business. If they aren't happy, make sure your rectify the problem.

  • Provide prompt responses to all communications & inquiries. Don't keep your clients waiting. Try to return phone calls within 24 hours, or at least 36 hours. People become impatient and will move onto the next business for what they are needing. Respond to emails on the same day if possible and answer all written inquiries within 3 business days. The longer inquiries wait to be responded to, the greater the chance of losing their business all together.

  • Always say Thank You! How good do you feel when someone says thank you to you? That sentiment should be shared. Send out thank you cards to those who request a quote and when a new client comes on board. To save costs, send e-cards or emails of thanks.

    Customer service is vital to ensuring your business' successful future. By keeping your clients happy, you are adding to the value of your business and the services you offer and proving to others that your are the person they should be talking to when they are in need of your services.

    About The Author

    Janice Byer is a certified Master Virtual Assistant and owner of Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services (http://www.docutype.net). See this and other articles on her website; jbyer@docutype.net

    In The News:

    • pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Create a Positive, Upbeat, Can-Do Workforce and Dazzle the Customer with Your Caring!

    Given the choice of dealing with a positive, upbeat employee... Read More

    Call Center Software - Your Tool of Choice in Customer Relations

    The call center represents your first line of communication with... Read More

    The 7 Principles of Business Integrity

    If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't... Read More

    Customer Service - How Good Are YOU?

    At 8.30 am a wealthy client (on his way to... Read More

    CEM Can Improve Customer Loyalty

    'A 5 percent increase in customer retention increases profits by... Read More

    What Every Manager Should Know About How to Win the Loyalty of Customers

    Dr. Michael LeBoeuf, in his cassette album entitled, Win Customers... Read More

    Adjustment DENIED

    It's just a simple thing ? I bought a new... Read More

    Be A Resource

    What is one of the greatest ways to add value... Read More

    Whats For Lunch?

    As an entrepreneur, I'm always intrigued by small businesses, home-based... Read More

    Customer Service - A Lost Art?

    Is customer service a lost art? Before you answer that... Read More

    Renewing Customer Loyalty

    Every business loses customers, but not many do much about... Read More

    The Logic of Emotion!

    Homebuyers are an interesting study. Watching people make their home... Read More

    Customer Service and Marketing that Works

    Go into many businesses today and try and get service,... Read More

    One of the Secrets of a Great Customer Experience

    A few weeks ago we conducted our annual "Customer Experience... Read More

    7 Bits Of Critical Information You Cant Afford NOT To Know About Your Customers

    If you think customer relationship management is just a piece... Read More

    Top 10 customer service tips

    1. Hire people who have a service attitude. Some people... Read More

    Customer Service and The Human Experience

    Historically, customer service was delivered over the phone or in... Read More

    Customer Service, Italian Style

    Nowadays, we complain nearly all of the time about how... Read More

    Making Your Contacts Work For You

    The best way to explain this concept is to tell... Read More

    Customer Service - A Sweet Essence

    First let us specifically define customer service. It is the... Read More

    The History of CRM -- Moving Beyond the Customer Database

    Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is one of those magnificent concepts... Read More

    The Added Value - Is YOU!

    If there was a restaurant in your town that was... Read More

    The Dissatisfied Customer

    We, as small business people, naturally dislike complaints from our... Read More

    Why You Should Always Honour Your Guarantees - Even When The Customer Is In The Wrong

    The Reason Why Direct Internet Marketers Have To Work So... Read More

    Customer Service For Huge Profits

    Customer service is the most vital asset for Business either... Read More

    5 Ways Customer Service Managers are Implementing to Increase Customer Focus

    According to a Forum Corporation survey of commercial customers lost... Read More

    Identify Your Silent Customer Service Message

    With the growing number of people in every business sector,... Read More

    Raising The Bar For Online Magazine Subscription Services And Customer Service

    After years of flying below the radar in the magazine... Read More

    Foolproof Customer Service Strategies (That Only A Fool Would Try!)

    Ever notice how customer service varies from store to store?... Read More

    Setting Up a Customer of the Week Program for a Mobile Car Wash

    In a mobile detail or mobile car wash business you... Read More

    Customer Service Has Moved Toward Customer Care

    As I waited for an answer to my VCR inquiry... Read More

    Customer Loyalty

    Loyal customers are the foundation of almost every business. Going... Read More

    Moments That Matter

    Many years ago, I was a first year apprentice assigned... Read More