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The true measure of success of any business is how happy the customers are. You can’t expect to thrive and prosper if you aren’t respecting your customers’ needs. There are many ways to ensure your customers return for repeat business and make recommendations to friends and associates about your work. Following these easy steps will help you please your customers in each and every way:

•Live by the old saying “the customer is always right.” The customer should always be right, even if they are wrong. What this translates to is listening to the customer’s complaints and doing everything possible to remedy the situation. An unhappy customer can adversely affect your business. Not only will they not return but they will spread the word to almost everyone they know.
•Listen carefully to your customers. Some individuals like to talk and share anecdotes and stories. You should listen as carefully to these as you do to the customer’s comments and complaints regarding your product or service.
•Remember repeat customers. This is very important and can cement a long standing relationship with your customers. If they mention something interesting to you about a child going to college, or a new grandchild being born, jot that down in their file. When they return, mention it and they will be honored. By respecting your customer in all ways, you are showing you truly value their business.
•Offer discounts. Many business owners see the value in offering a discount to repeat customers. No one enjoys spending money and when a customer feels that you understand how important it is for them to save money they’ll feel more respected and it’s more likely they’ll continue coming back.
•Personalized service. This means taking out a few moments when the customer comes in to tend to their individual needs. You want them to feel as though they are an important part of your business success. Another great approach to personalized service is follow-up calls to the customer. If you own or run a service oriented business, contacting your customer by telephone several days afterwards and inquiring about how their experience was, makes them feel very valued.

Working hard on the relationships with your customers will help your business to not only survive but grow. As an employer you need to ensure that every person you hire understands that the customers’ needs come above all else.

Joanna Lazarou is one of the owners of the International Online Business Portal www.businessrise.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Respecting your Customer’s Needs