17 Ways to Keep in Touch with Customers, Clients and Contacts

In order to keep your business in front of your current customers so they will continue to do repeat business with you try these tips:

1. Call at least one customer a day to learn how you can improve your service or products.
2. Contact each customer once a week, once a month and after every major purchase. See what they liked and didn't like about the product or service and make adjustments.
3. Consider having a "stockholders" meeting. Seek the advise of outsider business owners to help shed light on your company systems and processes.
4. Hold a raving fans meeting of happy customers. Encourage them to make suggestion on how you could improve and build upon your business.
5. Set up a "brown bag" lunch with a guest speaker that will be of benefit to your customers.
6. Be sure to follow up after your "brown bag" lunch with a list of tips your guest provided.
7. Interview your customers for an article or blog you are writing. Customers love to feel that their opinions count.
8. Be sure to send a copy of the article when it's published.
9. Ask your customer's opinion on new marketing material, products, slogan or logo design. Remember first impressions?
10. Create a "Recommends" list of vendors that you have done business with and would refer clients too. Feature this list on your newsletter and website.
11. Create an employee culture that has your team asking for, welcoming and acts on customer feedback. Client surveys are an excellent tool for this.
12. Host a teleseminar or webinar of a product or service that your customers would participate in.
13. Ask your customers for a "wish list" of products and services that they could take advantage of using.
14. Create an e-newsletter for your customers and contacts. Make sure it features community or networking events, useful tips and vendor information.
15. Create an "Ask the Expert" section of your newsletter and website.
16. Create an "About Us" list of the most frequently asked questions and your responses. This makes for quick, easy reading, but also saves you time so you can focus on other client questions.
17. Send a quick "Thank You" note or special occasion card when large purchases or big events happen.

Here's an added tip #18. Sponsor a company wide "Customer Appreciation Day". Make your clients feel special by having a lite dinner with a guest speaker, OR offer a One Day Only Sale. A discount of products or services for your existing clients only.

There never can be too much communication and appreciation for your customers and contacts. When they feel appreciated you feel appreciated. It's a win-win.