In a relationship, it’s important that you have common interests. It’s hard to keep a relationship moving forward if you have nothing or little in common. Factors that customers consider when entering a relationship with your business include the business’s reputation, niche, work ethics, communication, customer service, and if your business has the resources to meet their needs.
Customers select you for a reason. In the initial meeting with your customers, you should try to determine that reason by simply asking, “What is it that you want from me or my business in this relationship?” or “Why did you decide to meet with me today?” Additionally, ask yourself what you want from your customers and always outline that during the meeting. Don’t just focus on the product or service benefits that you offer, but also outline your unique processes in achieving results.
Terms of Agreement. Once you decide on how the relationship should move forward, write it down and make it clear. Just because you understand your terms, does not mean that your customer has a clear understanding. If you are selling a product on a website or through a physical location, you should have important terms mentioned multiple times during the course of business, in contracts, and on your website. Furthermore, educate your customers to prevent confusion about the terms. If you can create a solid and mutually rewarding foundation with your customer, the rest of the relationship will be smooth.
Effective Communication. Many customers will discontinue business with you simply because they are confused about something or misunderstand your contract. Effective communication is key to a healthy relationship. As a representative of your business, you should be involved in, and dedicated to, the satisfaction and growth of customer relationships within your business. When working with customers, know why the customer selected you in the first place. Keep sight of customer goals and pursue those goals relentlessly to satisfy your customer. Chances are your customers have a good reason for wanting to work with your business or purchase your product or service. Ask what that is and why, today of all days, they chose to make the move.
Most customers already believe they know what they want, very often they do not want your opinion, and want only for you to provide them with the product or service requested. While this is often ok, you should still try and understand what they are trying to achieve, or you may end up with poor reviews and an upset customer who feels they wasted their time. It all comes down to staying focused on the goals of the customer and the strategies for achieving those goals. Two primary questions to consider asking customers when attempting to understand their goals include:
- What is your goal for using or purchasing this product or service?
- What results are you expecting by using this product or service?
Asking these questions will help demonstrate a genuine concern for your customers and they will, most often, appreciate your sincerity.
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Dr. Elijah Clark (September 6, 2022). Common Interest [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://elijahclark.com/common-interest/
