In Small Business, Success Is Built On Your Relationship With Your Customers

Can we talk relationships? Isn't that everyone's favorite blog topic — right after Ikea furniture hacks and new ideas for avocado toast? And reading about relationships on a business blog? So fun! But seriously, this is a pretty important subject for you to think about. Of course, I'm talking about customer relationships, so if you were hoping I could help you with your SO, so sorry! (You wouldn't want advice from me anyway. But the reasons why are best saved for another blog site!)

OK, back to you and your customers. When you own a small business, your customer relationships have a lot to do with you. Many of your customers probably know you by name and they associate you with your company very closely. Depending on the type of business you have, they may not even think of your business name very often, just your name. So the way you relate to other people and what they think of you matters! 

Are you shipping you & your customers? You should be!

Maintaining any good relationship takes work. So as hard as you work at producing a good product and being profitable, you should work just as hard at developing and improving your customer relationships. Periodically evaluate how and what you're doing to make sure you're responding to their needs — and anticipating them. Are you flexible? Do you make exceptions for customers, or go above and beyond once in a while? If you do, and they in turn sing your praises to others, that's free advertising for you. And it's also probably going to mean repeat business for you as well. So a little nurturing and some TLC can go a long way to helping your business be successful.

Be Oh So Quotable This Week!

Not too long ago, I said that owning a business means the work never ends! Ain't that the truth? I bet your to-do list is a mile long! Make sure that the items at the top of your list are the things that relate to being more profitable. Everyone is so proud of being so "busy"...But Are You Making Any Money? Don't be too busy to focus! And don't be too proud to put yourself out there when you're marketing your business!

This week, we've got a roundup of quotes from some of my favorite authors (including yours truly!) to help you focus on improving your customer relationships. Some of the quotes are straight outta my book. PsyBlog has an interesting article that demonstrates specific activities to keep your mind sharp. 4 Funky Mind Hacks That Reduce Errors, Boost Attention and Memory, written by Dr. Jeremy Dean, cites studies that show why these activities are relevant and effective. Also, check out 57 Fascinating Business Facts That Will Blow Your Mind by Jessica Misener, from BuzzFeed News.

Check out the summary of last week's business tips and motivational quotes from my Instagram page which you hopefully got to see in real time! If not, let's make sure we're following each other on Instagram!! So...here is this week's roundup of Instagram images of My Top Business Tips and Motivational Quotes.

Customer Relationships – Tip #1:

"Happy customers will do anything to continue the relationship."

Customer Relationships – Tip #2:

Define Your Brand! "Don't rely on what you think your customers think. Know what they think."

Customer Relationships – Tip #3:

"Everything you say to Siri is sent to Apple, analyzed and stored."

Customer Relationships – Tip #4:

"Climb a tree for better memory. By taking a break to do activities that are unpredictable & require us to consciously adapt our movements, we can boost our working memory to perform better in the classroom & the boardroom." – Dr. Ross Alloway

Customer Relationships – Tip #5:

"Tired? Have clients that pay you so much money it's worth getting out of bed!"

Oh by the way, in case you're looking for something to help with pricing, keep more money in your pocket and take your business to the next level, we've got it right here! And it's FREE!

What's the deal with your customers? I want YOUR stories on how you improved your customer relationships!

I'm sure you have stories to tell about the different things you've tried to improve your customer relationships. Which tips above did you find helpful? I would LOVE to hear from you!

Anyhoo...I publish these business tips and motivational quotes to get you fired up for your work week! And, if you want more business tips, get my book, But Are You Making Any Money? or contact me to really take your business to the next level!

xoxo M

P.S. Of course that's not all we've got! Searching for more small business tips about how to grow your business?

Then definitely take a look at these:

5 Tips for Building Your Customer Base

Get Into Your Customer's Head

Happy Customers: Why It's Worth The Effort!

I'd love to hear your ideas! So please comment below and then SHARE!