This Valentine’s Day, show your customers some love!

It is easy to forget how much we love and need our customers. Have you ever heard someone say, “ugh, those darn customers!” We can become jaded and see them as an interruption to our daily tasks or troublesome because they don’t follow the “rules” of our business. But, customers are the ONE thing EVERY business needs to survive. So this month, make it a point to show the love.

Ways To Show The Love

•Take two minutes at the beginning of every interaction to build rapport. You want to build business beyond one interaction. Think of your interaction as a cocktail party (without the drinks.) Take time to ask questions and get to know the customer before you jump into business talk. People do business with people they like.

•Send your customers a birthday shout-out on your social media channels or send a handwritten note for special occasions or to congratulate them for a personal or business success!

•Utilize Google Alerts. Google Alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news, etc.) based on your choice of query or topic. Enter your top customers or competitors names. Use the information to be the first “in the know” about your customers. Be sure to follow up with an action supporting your customer.

•Align your business with a higher purpose. Customers feel good about supporting a business that does good. For example, Tom’s Shoes donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair bought. You don’t have to go that far but what can you do? Offer a special shopping day where 10% of the proceeds go to your favorite charity? Get creative but most importantly, get philanthropic!

•Reward your customers for their loyalty. Offer something of value for free with purchase, a coupon, free seminar, early bird sale, Facebook discount or hold a customer appreciation event.

We decide the role we play in our customers’ lives. Let’s make it a positive one! Show love for the people who keep you in business. Lastly, remember, when it comes to customer service you don’t have to do anything extravagant to WOW people. It is the little things that make the biggest difference.