Monday, July 25, 2011

To engage or not to engage with our customers.

Well, why wouldn't you? Have you realized that you spend money with people you like, services you trust and businesses that simply make you just feel good. There is this pizza place in town that we go to regularly. Within five blocks of this place there are at least 10 places that sell similar items. Yet, we choose this place. True the pizza is great, the salads big and the lasagna always perfect. But the real reason we call ourselves regulars is how we feel when we go in. We feel welcomed. We are always greeted with a friendly hello.. The owners always are eager to catch up with us. "How was your trip?" "Did you like the rolls you bought last week" "How is your daughter doing?". One day the owner sat down with me and shared with me his chicken parm recipe! They are genuine about it too. And it's not just us. They talk to all of their customers. They take the time to engage.

It's seems like a given but I do believe we somehow as businesses were so concentrated on making money we forgot about what was right in front of us. Relationships. The customers who we do business with. The partners who trust us. The community we serve. Get out there and do some engaging. Talk, listen, connect. Challenge yourself to get to know people in a different way. Ask questions. Learn about what is important to them. Stop trying to “do business” and just “be” with your customers. Social Media and Email Marketing gives us tools to both talk and listen. Do both. Say thanks, be generous with your expertise and have some fun! Your customers will never forget!