26 Aug

How Can Content Marketing Impact Your Business?

Posted in Uncategorized on 26.08.16 by John Meloche

We’ve discussed lead generation and its most prominent forms: content and email marketing. We’ve already gone into detail on the merits of email marketing. But we’ve yet to discuss content marketing. Content marketing is just as important as email marketing. Businesses are definitely starting to acknowledge this and as a result content marketing is skyrocketing in popularity.

According to the Content Marketing Institute, content marketing is used for lead generation by 83% of B2B marketers. While lead generation typically entails a lack of interpersonal relationships, content marketing operates differently. By providing valuable information to your audience, you further enable yourself to connect with your fans. This content thus acts as a means of building deeper relationships with fans. It helps generates legitimate leads by permitting the development of relationships with people. It’s that interpersonal twist that really differentiates content marketing from other digital marketing mediums. Nothing is better than loyalty, content helps you achieve that.

Not only does content permit you to develop relationships with fans online, but it also helps draw more attention to your website. We mentioned the role of SEO in content marketing campaigns. Essentially, by providing trendy content on your website, you create more indexed pages on your website and capitalize on external interest. This all leads to increasing your chances of being noticed via organic search. This is especially important today as search engines serve as a critical starting point for online transactions. According to Pinpoint Market Research and Anderson Jones PR, 93% of B2B buying processes begin with an online search. This just stresses the extreme influence search engines have on e-commerce transactions.

Content marketing revolves around providing useful information to your fans. It requires constant updates and attention to detail. But when done properly, content marketing campaigns can have a profound impact on your client base and online success. So start writing!

tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Comments Off on How Can Content Marketing Impact Your Business?

02 Jun

3 More Ways To Knock The Socks Off Of Your New Clients

Posted in customer satisfaction, Customer Service on 02.06.16 by John Meloche

three socks hanging on a rope clothesline isolated on whiteIn yesterday’s blog, we revisited the topic of impressing your clients. But we’re not just talking about the clients that you’re used to doing business with. Making strong first impressions on your new clients can do wonders for your helping you to establish yourself as a top-choice professional in your industry. When you meet your new clients, it’s important to find ways to knock their socks off!

Here are three more ways to do that:

1. Be organized. Okay, so your new client has given you the opportunity to prove yourself. Don’t take it for granted. Just because you’ve secured a new client, it doesn’t mean that he/she will remain loyal. It’s up to you to constantly work towards making good impressions. And a great way to make a good impression early is to be completely organized and on top of everything that needs to be handled right away.

On TheFreelanceHustle.com, Kayli admits that this is “easier said than done when you’re juggling multiple clients and deadlines. That is why you need to have the right systems and processes in place. Workflows and reminders are a life saver for staying on top of your projects and keeping your clients in the loop on your progress. If you can appear to be organized and professional your clients are going to have more faith in you/think you’re a miracle worker.”

2. Be as inquisitive as they are. When working with new clients, you’re bound to get asked a number of questions. The more questions you get asked, the better. This is because the curiosity of your new customer proves that he/she is interested. Be sure to do the same. Ask questions that will help you to get to know your customer better. The knowledge you attain will go a long way in being able to help you meet your customer’s need for many years down the road.

On SkillCrush.com, Randle Browning highlights the fact that it’s important to ask a lot of questions at your first meetings with new clients. “First meetings with clients can feel like auditions (and they kind of are),” she describes, “To keep the meeting from feeling like a trial, ask the client a lot of questions.” She goes on to note that you should make sure to prepare your questions well in advance of the first meeting.

3. Offer a welcome package. Kayli explains that a welcome package helps your new clients get better assimilated with your business. “When you start working with a new client, they are likely going to have a lot of questions,” she reiterates, “Put them at ease, and save yourself heaps of time, by creating a welcome package for all of your new clients. You can tell them about your office hours, your process, any systems you use, and anything else they need to be aware of to get started. It’s also a great time to send a checklist of things you will need from them.”

If you’re really looking to blow the socks off of your new clients, you’ll want to do something that most business owners won’t. Sending welcome packages along with messages of gratitude for your new working relationship will do the trick. Your packages should also include a number of your company’s fantastic promotional gifts which always come in handy. They’ll serve as great reminders of how awesome your company is!

To place your order for the promo gift of your choice, call Synergy Marketing at 1-877-748-9884 between 9am and 5pm EST or email us at info@gosynergygo.com! You can also sign up for our Insider E-Flyer Program HERE!

tags: , , , ,

Comments Off on 3 More Ways To Knock The Socks Off Of Your New Clients

01 Jun

3 Ways To Genuinely Impress Your New Clients

Posted in customer satisfaction, Customer Service on 01.06.16 by John Meloche

Smiling young man shaking hands with an insurance agent or investment adviser as he sits in a meeting with his wife in her officeIt’s often said that marketing your business towards your current customers is a lot more effective and inexpensive that promoting it to new customers. That doesn’t mean, of course, that you shouldn’t attempt to get your business new clientele. Growing your customer base requires hard work, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. But once you get those new clients, what should you do to ensure you impress them enough that they remain loyal?

Here are three ideas:

1. Show your human side. Speak to your new customers like people. Let them get to know that you’re a down-to-earth, honest-to-goodness human being who will be a joy to do business with. In most cases, this is what truly endears people to work with new businesses. If you push too hard with sales attempts, it could turn your new customers away. You want to make people feel comfortable visiting your place of business time and time again.

“Your goal is to get the client to trust you and hire you, but that doesn’t mean you should get right down to business,” writes Randle Browning on SkillCrush.com, “Before you dive into the tech talk, take a few minutes to get to know your client. If you’re on a video call, ask about where they live or comment on something you love in the background. If you’re together in person, ask them how they like the taco place across the street.”

2. Express your gratitude. We can’t think of a bad time to say the words “thank you”. Showing your appreciation is a great way to display your good-natured personality and genuine happiness about your newfound partnership. After all, as a business owner, there is nothing to be more thankful for than a person who is willing to help you grow your business. On TheFreelanceHustle.com, Kayli agrees that it’s important to always say “thanks”.

“Clients are what keep us in business so it’s important to thank them for that,” she insists, “I’m not saying that you need to remind them that they put food on your table, but a nice ‘hey, thanks for doing business with me’ every once in a while is always appreciated. Once you’ve wrapped a project be sure to include a sincere thank you in the handoff. Sending a hand written note and small, thoughtful gift are also a really nice touch.”

3. Do your research. Chances are that your new clients did a little bit of research on you and your company before deciding to do business with you. It’s only right that you do the same. Having a strong understanding of your clients’ backgrounds will give you greater insight into what you can do to wow them. Doing your due diligence will also demonstrate a level of professionalism that can set you apart from your competitors.

“Researching your client’s competitors and peers immerses you in their world,” says Browning, “The more knowledge you bring to the table about industry standards, common issues, or new changes in the client’s field, the more your client will trust you to make good decisions throughout the freelance project.” Be sure to check back for tomorrow’s blog as we continue to list ways that you can knock the socks off of your new clients!

And don’t forget that to place an order for the promo gift of your choice to promote your business, you call Synergy Marketing at 1-877-748-9884 between 9am and 5pm EST or email us at info@gosynergygo.com! You can also sign up for our Insider E-Flyer Program HERE!

tags: , , , ,

Comments Off on 3 Ways To Genuinely Impress Your New Clients

28 Apr

3 Ways To Improve Relationships With Angry Customers

Posted in customer satisfaction, Customer Service, Synergy Suggestions on 28.04.16 by John Meloche

Businessman holding two papers with happy and angry face each on themIn yesterday’s blog, we revisited the topic of angry customers. It’s a topic that most business owners wish to avoid, but it’s an important one nonetheless. Dealing with disgruntled customers should be seen as learning opportunities. The better you handle such situations, the better you’ll be able to improve your business overall. Your ability to resolve issues with angry customers can actually make or break your company.

So how can you improve your relationships with them? Here are three ways:

1. Don’t take it personally. It isn’t easy to avoid an emotional response to someone who is expressing anger towards you. You’re only human. However, it’s important to keep in mind that when a customer is upset with an aspect of your business, it isn’t a personal attack against you. Give your customer the opportunity to vent and realize that your job is to improve the relationship between the customers and your brand. This person doesn’t have to be your personal friend.

“When a customer is upset, remember that it is not a personal attack,” asserts Shari Waters on About.com, “Let them talk as long as they need to, not only to get it off their chest, but to thoroughly explain the problem. Listen carefully! You cannot fix what you don’t understand, so be sure to ask the customer enough questions to learn what is bothering them. By simply listening, the customer will realize that you are interested in their problem and he/she will eventually calm down enough to discuss the situation in a positive manner.”

2. Endeavour to work with your customer to find a resolution. Don’t assume that you know exactly how to fix a customer’s problem. There’s no better way to come to a resolution than probing your customer to discover exactly what can be done to satisfy him/her. Let your customer know that you care about his/her business and that you’re willing to find a solution that will prove it.

“When your customers decide to purchase your product or service, they commit to a financial relationship with you,” explains Ron Burley on Inc.com, “When problems arise, they want to know that you’re willing to listen and aren’t going to run for the door. A positive statement that you are willing to work with them to find a solution, rather than being their adversary, begins a conversation that can be your best insurance against that customer going rogue and blasting you on the Internet.”

3. Request further feedback. So you’ve resolved an issue. That’s excellent. But have you discovered ways to avoid such incidents in the future? Use the experience to learn more about how you can improve customer relations going forward. Don’t be afraid to ask your customer if there is anything more you can do to improve your business. You may just find it to be the best way to grow your company’s reputation.

“Dealing with each unpleasant customer should be a learning experience,” says Waters, “Customer feedback should be viewed as an opportunity for change. Keep in mind that not all customers can be pleased. Some people are just complainers and nothing you do will change that. But everything you can correct about this situation will help with future events. Keep improving in areas over which you have control.”

Of course, it never hurts to offer your customers useful promotional gifts that bear your company’s name and logo as a way to resolve issues. To place your order for the promo gift of your choice, call Synergy Marketing at 1-877-748-9884 between 9am and 5pm EST or email us at info@gosynergygo.com! You can also sign up for our Insider E-Flyer Program HERE!

tags: , , ,

Comments Off on 3 Ways To Improve Relationships With Angry Customers

27 Apr

3 Ways To Resolve Issues With Disgruntled Customers

Posted in customer satisfaction, Customer Service, Synergy Suggestions on 27.04.16 by John Meloche

Reaction smiley, vector illustrationGenerally speaking, ensuring customer satisfaction is on the top of to-do lists had by all business owners. However, satisfying customers isn’t always easy. In fact, we’ve all experienced those incidents when customers get upset. Really upset! The last thing any business owner wants is to lose business and anger a member of the buying public who is bound to spread the news about their dissatisfaction. So what to do when customers get angry?

Here are three ways to resolve issues with disgruntled customers:

1. Apologize – sincerely. Saying “sorry” should be the most obvious go-to response to anyone who is upset because of an interaction with your business. Regardless if you feel the occurrence is the fault of your company or not, it’s important to acknowledge that your customer is upset because of it. Be sure to offer genuine apologies as people can easily tell the difference between sincerity and lip service. A disingenuous apology is only bound to make things worse.

On Inc.com, Ron Burley highlights the importance of saying sorry and meaning it. “A sincere apology tells your customer that you regret his having to interrupt his day to make that call,” he writes, “An apology defuses the situation and can allow for a conversation in which you get an opportunity to diagnose what went wrong, with the possibility of preventing similar future problems.”

2. Follow up with the customer post-resolution. Don’t assume that just because your last conversation may have ended on a pleasant note that all is well with the world in the mind of your customer. Be sure to put in a follow up phone call or email to ensure that he/she is still satisfied with the resolution. This will leave a lasting impression that may be the key in encouraging that customer to continue to work with your business in future.

“Whatever promises you make to the customer to resolve the issue, be sure to follow up,” advises Shari Waters on About.com, “Call when you said you would call. Even if you don’t have the resolution, let the customer know you’re sticking to your word. This shows the customer that his/her business is important to you and you’re actively working towards getting things fixed.”

3. Thank the customer for his/her honesty. That’s right. When you have an angry customer to contend with, you should actually include a word of thanks in your response. Why? He/she is offering you the opportunity to improve your business. If there is a facet of your brand that is not being met well with its supporters, your ability to correct the problem will help you to avoid it with any other customers in the future. You should be grateful to have attained this knowledge.

“At first glance, it may seem like your customer should be the one expressing gratitude,” says Burley, “But think about it. In his mind, he paid for a product or service that didn’t perform as expected, and was then required to spend professional or personal time to work out a remedy. On the other hand, you’ve likely gained important information about product performance and how customers perceive your company. In my mind, that’s certainly worth a ‘thank you.’”

Be sure to check back for tomorrow’s blog as we continue to list ways to improve relationships with angry customers!

tags: , , ,

Comments Off on 3 Ways To Resolve Issues With Disgruntled Customers

13 Jan

3 Easy Ways To Impress Your Customers

Posted in Synergy Suggestions on 13.01.16 by John Meloche

Conceptual business photo of business woman with happy and sad customers face isolated on whiteIn yesterday’s blog, we highlighted the fact that many benefits can be enjoyed by business owners when they give things away for free. It may sound like a strange concept – after all, how do you earn a profit when you’re not selling your items? – but it works! Of course, we’re not saying that you need to give everything you sell away for free. Obviously, that would make no business sense. But the kind gesture of a freebie, now and again, goes a long way.

Naturally, there are many other ways to impress your customers. At Synergy Marketing, we have long proven that, in addition to giving away promo gifts, excellent customer service is an integral part of growing a brand’s reputation. But great customer service doesn’t just mean being nice. It involves relationship-building skills that need to be practiced by everyone on your staff. Need some help?

Not to worry. Here are three easy ways to impress your customers:

1. Engage in genuine small talk. People can tell is someone is being honest, down-to-earth and genuine in the way that person interacts with others. Be yourself. But truly take a real interest in the conversations you have with the people you do business with. They will appreciate you for it and be a lot more likely to want to extend their business relationships with you.

On AmericanExpress.com, Jason Brick writes of the importance of engaging with clients and showing that you care about what is happening in their lives. “This is all part of showing customers that you view them as actual people, which is a disappointingly rare thing when dealing with businesses today,” he writes, “Some of your clients won’t want to make small talk—and the same responsive listening will let your people identify them and move straight on to business.”

2. Never shy away from saying “thank you”. Honestly, you simply can’t say the words “thank you” enough. It may sound like a simple task – and it is – but far too many people forget the importance of these two words and neglect to use them on a regular basis. Let your customers know how much you appreciate them. The simple gesture will most certainly be met with positive energy that can translate into long-time customer loyalty.

On ClientHeartbeat.com, Ross Beard advocates for the “thank you”. “This is pretty straight forward,” he insists, “Be thankful for your customers continued support and business. Without their purchases and repeat purchases, you wouldn’t be receiving your paycheck. Saying thank you goes a long way to showing you appreciate your customers. And…an appreciated customer is a happy customer.”

3. Be prompt with your responses to questions. People hate waiting, especially in today’s world, where people are used to getting the information they need with the click of a few buttons on their smartphones. If you get asked a question and don’t know the answer, let your customer know that you’ll work to locate the correct information as soon as possible. Making customers feel like they’re not priorities won’t help your business to gain much favour with the general public.

Brick reminds us that with today’s massive use of social media, being prompt with responses to customer questions should be easy. “Use texting, email or even Twitter to have a meaningful interaction within minutes or even seconds of your first contact with a customer,” he advises, “Something as simple as a ‘Thanks for calling. I’m working on (exact description of the problem) right now’… will truly wow the recipient because of the fast delivery and the specific details that show a human being cares about what happens next.”

Be sure to check back for tomorrow’s blog as we continue to provide tips for how to knock your customers’ socks off! And don’t forget to contact Synergy Marketing to order the promotional product of your choice. Call us at 1-877-748-9884 today!

tags: , , ,

Comments Off on 3 Easy Ways To Impress Your Customers

13 Nov

3 Ways To Show Customers The Respect They Deserve

Posted in Synergy Suggestions on 13.11.15 by John Meloche

Businessman Lawyer with hand on heartWe’re all people. Just because you’re a business owner and another person is a customer, it doesn’t mean that you are “above” him or her in any way. Now, most Canadian business owners know this. But, they don’t necessarily know how to show it. Over the past couple of days, the Synergy Marketing Blog has been pointing out ways to make your company memorable, but also how to make customers feel special.

This is what it really comes down to, at the end of the day. It’s all about building relationships. All smart business owners know that running a successful business is so much more than selling products and services. It’s about the relationships that are developed between the brand and its customers. When you show people the respect that they deserve, they will be a lot more likely to continually support your brand.

Here are three ways to do that:

1. Mind your manners. This is a trait that we all learned as children. Isn’t it a shame that many of us have forgotten its importance? It’s the simple things like saying “please” and “thank you” that can really make big differences. Be sure to be courteous so that the people who are supporting your business are aware that your company is one that shows respect. They are bound to give you their respect in return if you do.

On Unitiv.com, Meredith Estep writes that, these days, our society doesn’t seem to do enough to make customers feel respected. “Your customer is much more likely to remember your business if you exude respect and courtesy every time they come in,” she writes, “A simple ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ or holding a door open for a customer will go a long way in putting your company at the forefront of their mind.”

2. Follow up with your customers. Don’t assume that once a sale has been completed, that that should be the end of the transaction. To truly develop strong relationships with your customers, you’ll need to do your part. Following up with your customers is a great way to show them the respect they deserve. Let them know that you remain available to them to help with whatever they may need.

“It’s hard to remember anyone that you’ve met just once, particularly if you’ve only had a brief interaction,” reminds Dorie Clark of Entrepreneur.com, “So if you’d like to turn a quick meeting into a long-lasting relationship, make a point of finding a way to continue the conversation. Get their contact information, and try to identify areas that are ripe for follow-up. Perhaps you can send them an article they’d be interested in or congratulate them when their favourite team wins over the weekend.”

3. Provide sincere displays of gratitude. Remember that your customers owe you nothing. They’ve already come in to support your business. They’re not obligated to come back. The respect you show them is a big part of the reason that they will be encouraged to return. And, perhaps the best way to do that is to simply thank them as often as you get the opportunity. Be sure to let them know that you appreciate their support.

“Your customers are the bread and butter of your business, so sincerely thank them for their patronage every time they visit your establishment,” advises Estep, “Even better – ask if there is anything else you can help them with before thanking them for that business. Customers remember appreciation and usually come back for more.” At Synergy Marketing, we offer the best ways for business owners to thank their customers!

Our amazing promotional products have been used as excellent “thank yous” for many years. To order yours, call us at 1-877-748-9884 today!

tags: , ,

Comments Off on 3 Ways To Show Customers The Respect They Deserve

12 Nov

3 Ways To Make Your Customers Feel Special

Posted in Synergy Suggestions on 12.11.15 by John Meloche

Smiley girl speaking on phone with her fist up, isolated on whiteIn yesterday’s blog, we pointed out the importance of being memorable. Staying in your customers’ memories is a practically guaranteed way to have them continue to support you in the future. Keep in mind that there is a lot of competition out there. So, what sets you apart? What are you doing to ensure that your customers remember to support you instead of them? It’s all about making them feel special!

Here are three ways to do that:

1. Give them the special treatment. You’re sure to stand out from your competition in the minds of people who walk through your doors when they’re made to feel special. Sometimes, remembering the little things can make really big differences in the impressions you give your customers. Things like knowing their favourite brand names can go a long way. You may also want to consider offering certain perks to those who have been loyal.

“Your customer is much more than a mere sale, so let them know their status whenever they come into your business,” advises Meredith Estep on Unitiv.com, “Remember their favourite products and let them know when a sale is coming up. Toss in a bonus once in a while to let them know how much you appreciate their regular business. When customers feel appreciated, they are much more likely to remember your business.”

2. Give them exclusive benefits. People love the feeling of belonging to an exclusive club. Do you offer a rewards or loyalty program that offers special discounts to those who support your business the most often? If not, you may want to start one up. Think of some unique ways to provide exclusive benefits to customers who continually choose your brand over its competition. It’s a great way to maintain their loyalty.

According to Charles Gaudet on AmericanExpress.com, it’s important to be unique. “Most people will expect you to say that you offer the lowest prices or highest quality,” he warns, “Instead, give them something unexpected, like a restriction-free return policy or lifetime access to a database of supplemental information. This is your chance to truly separate yourself from any and all competitors, and show prospects an advantage they won’t soon forget.”

3. Show a genuine interest in them. In yesterday’s blog, we pointed out that all relationships must go both ways. In other words, don’t expect people to support your business if you’re not willing to support them in return. This can be as simple as asking your customers questions so that you get to learn more about them. They will feel special knowing that you genuinely care about who they are.

“It may sound counterintuitive but asking a lot of questions can actually make you far more memorable to others,” reports Dorie Clark on Entrepreneur.com, “People love to talk about themselves, and they’re likely to remember someone who asks thoughtful, interesting questions because it makes them feel appreciated and understood. That’s a lot more potent than someone who simply prattles on about their own accomplishments.”

At Synergy Marketing, we believe that one of the best ways to make customers feel special is to provide them with rewards for their patronage. For many years, Canadian business owners have been using our amazing promotional products as gifts that reward their most loyal customers. Our experience has proven that this gesture works wonders. If you’re looking to make your customers feel special, don’t hesitate to order the promo product of your choice from us.

Call us at 1-877-748-9884 today!

tags: , ,

Comments Off on 3 Ways To Make Your Customers Feel Special

11 Nov

3 Ways To Make Customers Remember You

Posted in Synergy Suggestions on 11.11.15 by John Meloche

Red bow on woman finger isolated on white backgroundToday is Remembrance Day across Canada. It’s generally regarded as a solemn acknowledgment of the war veterans who fought for our country. Synergy Marketing would like to take this opportunity to offer our sincerest respect and gratitude for all of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. While today is not an official statutory holiday, ceremonies commemorating the occasion are taking place all over Canada.

For the most part, it is business as usual at the Synergy Marketing offices today. Interestingly, we’re reminded that our overall objective is to help Canadian businesses become more memorable. Our promotional products are made with the intent of impressing customers who receive them so that the companies that hand them out will never be forgotten. Staying in one’s memory, it should be pointed out, is a hugely important way to make your business succeed.

Here are three ways to make customers remember you:

1. Remember your customers. All relationships should be recognized as two-way streets. Don’t assume that your customers ever owe you anything. Your gratitude should be regularly expressed. In order for your customers to remember you, you’ll need to do your part to show them that they haven’t been forgotten. It’s wise, for example, to get to know the people who visit your store on a first-name basis.

On Unitiv.com, Meredith Estep champions the act of getting to know your customers. “Such a simple act that means so much, remembering a customer’s name can make the world of difference in your level of customer service,” she writes, “Even better – remember the name of the customer’s spouse, kids, pets or favourite sports team. There is no end to the brownie points you can accumulate through this effort!”

2. Share your story. Your business needs to be represented as more than just a company that sells products and services. When you take the time to truly relate to the people who support your business, you will give them more reasons – bigger reasons – to be loyal towards your brand. Drum up conversations with your customers and get them to know the story about how you started your business. It’s important to make them feel like they’re part of it.

This act is highly recommended by Charles Gaudet of AmericanExpress.com. “In casual conversation, you will most likely reach the topic of how you got to where you are, or how you came to work in your industry,” he says, “This is a great opportunity to share something about yourself that makes you unique. Get personal. Share a great obstacle you’ve overcome. Tell an anecdote about who or what inspires you.”

3. Find commonalities between you and your customers. As we just alluded to, people like feeling like they are a part of something special. Sometimes, simply having something in common is enough to help another person relate to you personally. As you may have noticed, the tips in today’s blog all encourage the creation of personal connections between you and your customers. Seek to find what you have in common and you won’t soon be forgotten.

On Entrepreneur.com, Dorie Clark certainly agrees with this approach. “People will trust you and relate to you if they feel you share a bond — whether it’s that you’re from the same hometown, went to the same school or even just that you both like dogs or the colour orange,” she believes, “And if they like you and trust you, they’ll remember you.” Of course, there’s another great way to make your brand memorable.

And that would be handing out promo gifts with your company name and logo on them. To order yours, call Synergy Marketing at 1-877-748-9884 today!

tags: , ,

Comments Off on 3 Ways To Make Customers Remember You

01 Jun

4 Ways To Build Those All-Important Customer Relationships

Posted in Small Business Advertising, Synergy Suggestions on 01.06.15 by John Meloche

business team shaking handsSmall business owners don’t generally rely on big budget advertising in order to spread the word about their businesses. With television commercials, billboards, radio spots and print ads generally being pretty expensive, most entrepreneurs are forced to seek other means by which they can promote their brands. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. You may be surprised to know that small business owners have an advantage over larger corporations.

Then again, if you’re a reader of the Synergy Marketing Blog, you may not be all that surprised at all. Chances are that you know that small business owners have the ability to create and grow personal relationships with their customers. It’s the “personal interaction” factor that helps to differentiate most small businesses from their larger competitors. The advantage in making personal connections is that it endears customers to support your brand over others.

TV commercials and the like can’t do that. Small businesses grow and develop relationships at the ground level. “Relationships matter and good ones may be the most important things to your new business,” states Adam Fridman on Inc.com, “Go to meetings, meetups, panel discussions at colleges and universities, drop by your chamber of commerce or industry association. These events and opportunities are almost always free and the people there are usually as eager to meet you as you are to meet them.”

Here are four ways to build those all-important customer relationships:

1. Offer your expertise. People love working with businesses that are the “best” at what they do. When you impart your knowledge of your field onto others, it helps them to gain confidence in coming to you for solutions. On SBA.gov, Caron Beesley suggests that you showcase your expertise by writing blogs, hosting free workshops and sending out newsletters. “Being an expert in your field brings credibility, business and referrals. But you’ve got to work at it,” she writes.

2. Offer your help. At Synergy Marketing, we are large proponents for the “free giveaway”. But, as we’ve mentioned in many blogs before, what you give away doesn’t have to always be a material item. Offering your help can go a long way in growing your relationships with your customers. “Giving value is valuable,” says Fridman, “Everyone wants to help people who help them and being valuable is the best, fastest and most genuine way to get value in return.”

3. Be different. What separates you from your competition? What traits do you possess that will encourage customers to choose your brand over others? Beesley asks business owners to determine what makes them unique in order to strengthen the bonds they have with their clients. “What makes you different?” she asks, “Understanding and communicating this can really boost sales, and shift the focus away from price alone.”

4. Give something away for free. Is it any surprise that we would champion this point of view? For many years now, Synergy Marketing has been proving that when business owners give out free promotional gifts, it leads to stronger relationships with their customers. This often translates into referrals, increased sales and repeat business. But, as mentioned earlier, you don’t always have to give out material items.

“People love free stuff,” Fridman reminds us, “If you have a blog, offer free publicity. If you’re a consultant, offer a free initial review. Give away a free trial on your business software site. Meeting people, regardless of how or why they come to you, is an opportunity to build relationships. And giving away free things can, if done right, spark a good marketing and press opportunity.”

To get your hands on some great promotional gifts that you can hand out as free giveaways, call Synergy Marketing at 1-877-748-9884!

tags: , ,

Comments Off on 4 Ways To Build Those All-Important Customer Relationships