Customer Neglect

What have you done for your existing customers lately? Probably not much, if you are like most businesses.

I know that hunting new business is more of an adrenaline rush than working the business you already have, but it is not as crucial to your long-term success. The best new business program is delivering excellent service to existing clients. Let's review some things you might want to consider doing for current customers.

Really personal mail has become a thing of the past. Buck the trend and stand out. Send a hand signed and addressed card to your clients. This could be a birthday card or a "thank you for your business" card.

Create a special customer event. Invite customers to a non-commercial event such as a wine tasting, or an event that ties back into your core business. For instance, an outdoor retailer could host a free day of canoeing. It gives you a chance to get to know your clientele in a social setting. It also provides fodder for customers to talk about you.

Gather your customers' business cards and distribute them to people likely to use your customers' services. Write a note on the back that says "referred by (your business name here)."

Most businesses neglect their customers and it takes very little effort to stand above the crowd. So, take care of your current customers, and they'll take care of you.

Harry Hoover is managing principal of Hoover ink PR. He has 26 years of experience in crafting and delivering bottom line messages that ensure success for serious businesses like Brent Dees Financial Planning, Focus Four, Levolor, New World Mortgage, North Carolina Tourism, TeamHeidi, Ty Boyd Executive Learning Systems, VELUX, and Verbatim.

---

Marketing as a Spiritual Practice

"Marketing as a spiritual practice." It sounds contradictory ? how... Read More

Cheap To Keep

You've heard it all before when it comes to stats... Read More

Identify Your Silent Customer Service Message

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

If Everyone Thinks They Give Good Service, Why Do We As Customers Think Its Poor!

First of all let's look at what customer service is... Read More

Cultivating the Trust Factor

In today's highly competitive economy, it is difficult to maintain... Read More

Dealing with Difficult People

1. Don't get Hooked !!!When people behave towards you in... Read More

Making The Most Of Newsletters

Newsletters can be wonderful tools for communicating with your customers... Read More

Importance of Good Customer Support in Online Computer Peripherals Shops

Looking for hi-fi computer peripherals? Finding it tough to decide... Read More

Five Tips to Calm Cranky Customers

1. Tis the SeasonRecognize that everyone is frazzled during the... Read More

Doesnt Anybody Work Here? Nametags Impact Employee Communication

Walmart was the first business to require all its employees... Read More

Managing Your Business When One Client Takes Alot of Your Time

How often has your schedule been thrown out of whack... Read More

You Bever Know Who Youre Serving

You Never Know Who You're Serving when customers turn irate.I... Read More

More Customers - Watch those Little Things

Two situations, two perfectly acceptable experiences, but in one case,... Read More

Oil Change Customer from Hell or Hoax; You Decide

Evacuation, "E-Vac" Oil System for Oil ChangingHow do most mobile... Read More

Adjustment DENIED

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

When a Customer Has Done Everything to Get Your Goat

You try to make your customers happy. You sincerely WANT... Read More

Whatever Happened To Customer Service?

Do you remember the last time you went into a... Read More

Dont Work with Jerks: How to Recognize a Difficult Client Early

Five minutes into the call I knew this client was... Read More

Listening: The Foundation of Communication

Listening is the #1 communication skill for leadership, selling, customer... Read More

Customer Service - How Good Are YOU?

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

Have You Hugged a Customer Today?

It all started a couple of weeks ago when a... Read More

How To Boost Your Bottom Line With Two Little Words

I hate to sound like one of those cheesy get-rich-quick... Read More

Customer Service and Call Center Outsourcing, Whats The Buzz?

The buzz is all about customer service and call center... Read More

Customer Service - A Sweet Essence

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

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

However, in the world of business, this cliché may not... Read More

It?s Customer Service Stupid: Delivering Customer Service Training That Sticks

"Society is always taken by surprise at any new example... Read More

To Complain and Win! - My Personal Recipe

Prime directive: Make sure your claim is reasonable! Otherwise, forget... Read More

Losing Angry Customers

This article offers five ways to help you deal with... Read More

CRM - Its Relevance

In today's demanding economy, the first line of any business... Read More

Complaints Are Actually A Good Thing!

Nobody likes to get complaints. They make you question your... Read More

Can Three Words In Websters Dictionary Be The Key To Customer Loyalty?

Are you concerned about customer loyalty? Are your customers so... Read More

Whats The Customer Service Buzz About Your Business?

If you're a regular reader of my column you know... Read More

My Child Has Opie Eye!

7:00 a.m., the silence in the house is broken by... Read More