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Ideas on customer retention

 
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FreshUpT

posts: 5

Sep 10, 2008 6:18 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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I`d like some ideas, rather, a "what do you do?" thread about customer retention.

I`m in the computer/internet services market and I do little things like show an active interest in my customer`s businesses by sending them occasional blog posts and book ideas specific to their niche.

Like "Hey John I thought you might find this interesting, T"

Something as simple as that.

What do you do?  (I`m mining for ideas...)
Sully

posts: 32

Sep 10, 2008 8:38 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Hi T,
    From my experience the best way to keep and retain clients is a mix of a few things. 
-First is to let them know that you really care about your services and that they are happy with them. 
-Get to know them/family on a personal level (hobbies/ favorite foods/sports/ etc).  That way when you speak with them you can have done a "little research" on the topic.
-Give a small discount after a certain billing amount
-Do discount prepaid hourly plans

These are just a few things.  I hope it helps and good luck




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EmpowermentHR

posts: 28

Sep 10, 2008 12:40 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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I think the expectations of exceptional customer service and a close relationship should be set BEFORE they become a customer.  This means during the sales or purchasing process you lay dawn the expectation that they will be contacted from time to time via email or personal phone call to check in and see how the service/ or product is going.  I let me customers know that my buisiness is built primarily on making raving fans of my services that the expectation is that if I am taking great care of them, then they will refer me business (another subject).
 
When I am adding new services or thinking about taking a new or different approach in my business I go back to my clients and ask for their input and feedback.  This empowers them to know that my services are generated around making my clients happy.  From time to time make sure you are surveying your clients/customers for feedback.  the only way you can grow and continue to keep clients/customers is to know why they continue to remain with you and what services and or products they would like to see in the future.
sunshine

posts: 2

Sep 10, 2008 2:30 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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I try to always think "what else?" If I`m sending an invoice, can I add something? Sticker, special thank you of some kind (book mark), or just a handwritten positive comment.
 
When presenting, I always take something to give to one or more attendees, if not every attendee.
 
I contact clients when I don`t want anything but to say hello and wish them well.
 
I clip articles pertinent to them or what they do and send it with a short comment.
 
I try to assist in any way with things they are working on that have nothing to do with me or my business.
 
I never discount the little things as not making enough of an impact.
 
I try to always do more than expected.


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Oct 07, 2008 4:56 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Whatever contact you have it is important to be consistent so that they don`t have a chance to forget you.

I like to have at least six contacts a year and will make those with phone calls, email, a few greeting cards and a postcard or two.  Sometimes you are not sure this is working because you do not get a response each time you make a contact.  I know it works though to keep you connected leading to more business, referrals and most certainly a good relationship.

This week October 6th - 10th is Customer Service Week.  I sent out an email making sure that my customers know that I am always here to serve them.  For those that respond to my email I will have a drawing at the end of the week.  Communication is a two way street so I really wanted to encourage them to at least acknowledge they had received my message.

GreetingCardGoldmine10/7/2008 5:03 PM


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Mary
24/7 Greeting Card Store
www.GreetingCardGoldmine.com














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