Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Client and Customer Connection

"It is not the employer who pays the wages. Employers only handle the money. It is the customer who pays the wages."
- Henry Ford, American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company & sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production. (1863 - 1947)
While there have been many ideas regarding how to treat each other, especially when it comes to customers and clients, it seems there are far more theories than true application! Whether it is the "Golden Rule", or the rule of "The Customer is always right", please consider embracing the approach of connection in addition to satisfaction.
What I mean by that is:
-Clients and customers have many options
-Clients and customers minimally want to be satisfied
-Clients and customers like great service
-Clients and customers really appreciate a connection (and I don't just mean free Wi-fi!)
So, if you are striving to make a difference, be relevant, especially customers and clients, please consider:
-Telling & showing clients and customers you appreciate them sincerely
-Asking clients and customers what they expect (instead of assuming)
-Offering clients and customers ways and times to connect
-Honoring what was discussed
In our world of speed and social media, looking someone in the eye, asking them a couple of things to enhance their experience, providing what they want, and then thanking them for their time and business, can not only go a long way that day, it can connect you to them in a way a post, blog, survey or coupon may never be able to do on its own...and yet it may create a connection to you and your business that opens them up to those additional things as well. With connection, true connection, instead of chasing the next deal, you are consistently engaging in a way that is lasting and real!

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