This blog first appeared on November 20, 2015.
If you read my blog regularly, you know building relationships is BIG with me. I think it is the key to having a life full of harmony – personally and in your business. Today, we are going to talk about building relationships in your business.
Tis the season you will run in to a LOT of people – old friends, new friends, family. Tis the season to build relationships, which can fuel your entire year with loyalty, referrals and more!
Let’s start with building Relationships with Potential Anything (customers, hostess, team, etc):
Do you think before you speak, act or even post on Facebook? How often have you vented on Facebook? Admit it, we all have. The truth is if you are Debbie Downer or Negative Nellie all the time – nobody wants to buy from you, you probably wouldn’t even buy from yourself PLUS nobody wants to be around you. Are you constantly posting about “needing to fill your calendar” or needing xxx amount is sales? Guess what – you sound DESPERATE! People don’t buy from people who are desperate.
People buy from people they like. People buy from people who make them feel good about themselves. Show the honest, real, caring, kind, compassionate, positive, confident, and upbeat side of YOU and guess what? People will want to be around you and as a result will want to buy from you.
How about building relationships with your customers? I know you are thinking, “they’re already buying from me, what do I have to do?”. The truth is you want to KEEP their business. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen someone carrying a Thirty One product and started a conversation. I always ask if they have a consultant because I would never want to steal someone’s customer. It breaks my heart when they say “I don’t remember” or “I never hear from them, so do you have a card”.
UGH! I pray it is never one of my customers who answers this way. What do you do to stand out from the crowd? What do you do to let them know you appreciate them? Not just when they place an order or maybe all year long. I will admit I am good at this for about 4 months from the time of the order but then it becomes more difficult. I continue to work on this (see, you aren’t alone).
Remember YOUR CUSTOMERS are what fuel your business. They keep you in business. THANK THEM OFTEN! It doesn’t matter how you do it – a thinking of you card, a post on a picture they posted on Facebook, or a phone call just for no reason. Let them know you think of them as more than just a paycheck! Make them feel special! Make them feel appreciated! It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money but believe me when you let them know how much you appreciate them – they will stick with you!
Okay, will they occasional buy from someone else, maybe. Ask them about those purchases, how they are liking them and make sure they were happy with their customer service experience! More times than not, when you have a super loyal customer buy from another consultant, its because she was helping out a friend with a party or an order. She isn’t trying to hurt you, its not always about you, get over it. She was doing a selfless thing for her friend, make her feel special for doing that. She will remember it. I promise you!
The bottom line is relationships are the meat of our business – our products are just what get us in the door or through the computer screen. Be someone who stands out and makes a positive impression on those you come across. Make sure you are remembered as THE person who made her feel special!
What is your best tip for building relationships and growing your business?
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 