Posts Tagged ‘kindness’

Just the other day I was discussing a concern with a friend regarding his business.  It seems that he had been getting regular phone calls from clients and subcontractors regarding a lack of follow through by some of his employees. This was leaving a negative impression of his company and one that needed to be remedied immediately.

What impression are you leaving with your clients?  Are they frustrated or happy?  Do they want to do business with you again or are they glad to be rid of you?  Is everything you do automated or are you providing a personal touch?

In this day and age consumers are looking for an outstanding experience and if you are unable to give them the phenomenal experience they are looking for, they will find someone who can.

They want to feel special and important and that means that the interactions they have with you and your company need to make them feel special.

Make them feel special and you will create a loyal tribe of customers.

Loyalty.  A simple word that means so much in today’s business world.

So how can you create loyalty in your business? Here’s a few simple and easy tips to get you started!

1.  Care About Your Clients

My friend Joe Lore from SunnyTech is the best computer person around.  I have purchased many computers from Joe and have referred countless number of people to him.  Why?  Because he cares about his clients.

Recently, I called Joe to tell him that my mini laptop was not connecting to the internet anymore.  Joe, knowing the technophobe that I am told me that he would be over on his way home.  Not only did he show up as stated but fixed the issue and never charged me a penny!  And this is not the first time that Joe has taken care of an issue for me.

When I purchased my computer last year he brought it over and set the whole thing up.  For some reason we couldn’t seem to connect to the internet (I know it seems I  have a lot of problems connecting!).  He worked on the problem for over and hour.  While he worked I made him a great dinner and again, he didn’t charge me a penny. He’s just an awesome person and because of the great care he gives me I would never do business with someone other than Joe!

Care about your clients and they will definitely care about you.

2.  Say Thank You

This is an often overlooked and simple thing to do.  It is so easy to say thank you to your clients.  This can be through a card or letter, via a small token of appreciation or even a discount on an upcoming product launch or program.  No matter which avenue you choose, remember to say thank you to your clients for their business.

3.  Be Kind and Generous

When I was first starting out I was not making a lot of money in my coaching practice.  My coach offered me the opportunity to coach with her at a very reduced fee.  I knew that she didn’t do this for everyone and I was amazed at her generosity.

The reality is that we all know a client who is going through a tough time.  There are many things that you can do to let them know that you are sticking with them and are there to help.  Maybe you can extend your terms, provide them with a “special” rate or help them out in some other way.  I truly believe your generosity will come back to you ten times over and you will have gained such a loyal customer in the process.

These three simple examples are just a few of the many ways that you can ensure customer loyalty for years to come.  Let me know what you have done in the past to create loyalty with your clients by leaving a comment on my blog!  I look forward to reading your posts.

Those who know me well know that I don’t buy a lot of Christmas gifts.  Instead I prefer to have friends and family to my home and to spend an evening laughing, sharing, and honoring the people that mean the most to me. Gift giving is wonderful and I certainly love to receive, but gifts from the heart are the ones that matter the most to me.  Here is my favorite list of gifts that you can give this Christmas that won’t cost a dime but will certainly fill your soul!

The Gift of Listening ~ When you engage in the task of listening… truly listening, you are connecting with that other person in a way that lets them know how much they matter to you. While you sit there intently listening; not daydreaming, planning or interrupting, you are connecting at a deep place where two souls join together for the betterment of each other. As the listener you gain something too; the deep fulfillment of lending yourself to another in friendship and love.

The Gift of Laughter ~ “Laughter is the best medicine” is how the quote is known and I couldn’t agree more. Nothing makes me feel better than to share a good laugh with a friend. It lifts my spirits and the other person’s too. Share a joke, funny story, or a cartoon and share the gift of laughter with others.

The Gift of Kindness ~ I realized the other day that it is just as easy to be kind to someone as it is to be nasty…almost easier because one leaves you feeling good about yourself while the other leaves you feeling empty. Be kind to others by sharing simple gestures of yourself. This could be opening a door for someone, being a good driver on the road ways, sharing a kind word or a simple smile. Watch how these gestures of kindness fill you up and help you be a better person.

The Gift of Affection ~ Nothing feels better than a hug! I love to give hugs and I love to get them. And I love to pair it with a kiss on the cheek too! Maybe it’s the Italian in me, I’m not quite sure. But what I am sure about is how much those little gestures of affection let me express to my family and friends how much they mean to me.

The Gift of Service ~ I believe that we are on this earth to be of service to others. Giving of your time and talents to the benefit of someone else is the most wonderful gift you can ever give. Service comes in many forms but can include giving blood to help save a life, feeding the hungry, volunteering for a local charity, helping an elderly neighbor with household chores. The list is endless.  But one thing is certain, helping others fills the heart and soul in ways that nothing else can.

The Gift of Solitude ~ Sometimes we need to be alone. Maybe we need time to sort through a problem or time to reenergize ourselves. Others need this time as well. This Christmas learn to respect other people’s need and give the gift of solitude by leaving them the time they need to be alone.

The Gift of Courage ~ This gift allows you to be courageous, to speak your truth always and to stand in your power as a person. Give this gift to yourself. Be honest with yourself about what you want and don’t want in your life. Take good care of yourself…this is not about being selfish. It’s about taking time to care for you!

The Gift of Appreciation ~  Mother Theresa said “There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.” Take a moment to think about your family and friends. Make a list of all the things that you appreciate about them.  Keep this list in a safe place, maybe in your journal or with your will. Just imagine what this gift of appreciation will mean to people after you’ve gone. Your last words to them will be a heartfelt treasure they will never forget. You will show clearly how you recognized, admired and valued their unique qualities. You will acknowledge with gratitude what they meant to you.

This gift of appreciation will be the memory of your heart and will live on. This Christmas don’t delay in giving the Gift of Appreciation. Share your feelings this holiday with the ones you love.

May this Christmas Season fill your home with Joy, your heart with Love, and your life with Peace.