Always Be Relationshipping
Learn how to maintain customer relationships, ella’s way
Hi there!
The sales world is rife with cliches. I’m guessing you’ve heard them all: Always be closing! Bring your A-game. Big money moves slow!
I don’t know how you feel, but it’s time to let go of some of the old and tired sales ways (which is why I exist in the first place). One sales cliche I’m on board with, though: relationships are king.
Maintaining good customer relationships is non-negotiable if you’re a growth-minded salesperson (and if you’re reading this, I know you are!).
Here’s my advice for maintaining solid customer relationships:
Listen.
Hear what your customer is actually saying – not what you want them to say or think they’re saying. Ask for clarification if something isn’t clear. Seek out feedback, hear it, and implement it (within reason).
Be Likable.
This should be a given – but it’s important enough to make this list. Be transparent and honest, be friendly and open, and most importantly – be human. You’re not a sales robot (have you ever bought something from a vending machine thinking “Wow, what a great experience”?). Being kind and respectful goes a long way to maintaining a relationship.
Follow Through.
Trust is important in any relationship, and no one likes empty promises. If a customer makes a request, set a realistic expectation for completion – and get it done. If life happens and you’re somehow unable to meet a deadline, lead with honest communication.
Stay in Touch.
Nothing causes a customer relationship to fizzle like inconsistent (or nonexistent) contact. Staying top of mind is a dance, though – you need to strike a balance between ensuring the customer doesn’t forget about you and tipping the scales too far in the direction of becoming annoying. Think monthly newsletters and value-added email blasts, and keep it all short and sweet.
Maintaining customer relationships isn’t rocket science, but it does take effort and finesse. I can help you with this (and so much more). Get in touch with me – let’s start a conversation.