We all know that feeling, packed like sardines into a train carriage at rush-hour, sitting alone in a crowded cafe during a lunch break, or attempting to navigate Oxford Street in the run up to Christmas. Sometimes we can be surrounded by thousands of people and yet somehow still feel disconnected and alone. Although it may sound strange, it takes more than proximity to connect to others.

The same principle works exactly the same in a business environment. You want your customers to feel connected and have a sense of loyalty to your business, instead of sampling what the competition has to offer. So how do you achieve this? How do you engage and connect with your customers and prospects? Well actually it’s quite simple.

In their simplest form, your business relationships are no different from your personal relationships. Your business should be a living entity, with its own character and personality. You want to be seen as friendly and approachable. Take the time to get to know your customers on a personal level, asked their opinion, take their advice and allow your business to be long as much to your customers as it does to you.

Whether it be over the telephone, e-mail, or face-to-face, let your customers know how much you value their business. Reward them with regular offers in return for their custom. Keep them up to date with what business is doing, with a simple newsletter or blog. Do not just sell to them, but offer advice and expertise that adds value to their lives. In short, be their friend not just a salesman.

In the modern world, there is no reason to your customers to ever feel alone or disconnected in their business dealings with you. Whether it’s a friendly smile, a gift voucher, or just some friendly advice, the effort you put in to build personal relationships with your customers will be rewarded in your business growth and profitability.



By: Tref Griffiths

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