Embrace Your Spotlight Inspiration Lounge : Customer Loyalty: Are they here to stay or ready to jump ship?

2013 is almost over, wow. As we look back on the year and prepare for a new year of possibilities and transforming lives, let’s take an inventory on our customer loyalty. Ok?

I know you have heard this before, but do you practice it often? Directly from Inc. magazine, "True customer loyalty means making the relationship more important than making the sale."

Inc. mag article continues..."Customer loyalty comes from having a strong relationship with your customers. When they see you as a friend and ally, they're reluctant to jump ship, even if it means they can get something a little cheaper.

Let that last sentence sink in. It's a beautiful thing. I had to read it twice the first time to let it sink in.

So I ask you, how well does your audience and clients really know you? Do you hide your personal side in your fan page postings? Your website? Does it feel real, emotional, and approachable? This is the age of vulnerability and transparency (revealing just enough to make you real and approachable). Today's branding requires us to be open, real, personable and transparent. The days of focusing only on products and services are long gone. Branding is who you are; not what you do. This is the magic. Every client that comes into my world is ready to INNOVATE their branding to align with this personal touch in all channels of their marketing even if they have some fear of being in the spotlight and being more vulnerable in a business setting.

Your market is so much more sophisticated today when it comes to choosing experts to hire. They know the drill...build the know, like, and trust factor. Are you set up with strategies and skills to do that?

Let’s look at 3 simple tips (maybe reminders?) to get you started or re-started:

1. Pick-up-the-phone: I know – you might be smiling and rolling your eyes, but it’s a beautiful reminder! I’ve been guilty of having to remind myself to do this! We get so wrapped up in our day online that this skill is one of the most overlooked relationship-building practices as of late because of our social media, texting, and emailing habits. Instead of emailing a client or texting – arrange a quick call in to say hello and see how they are or better yet offer to go over something they need help with instead of emailing. The personal touch will never be outdated and always appreciated and remembered.

2. Communicate from the heart - real conversations. To build a humanized brand, we need to emotionalize our content. A sexy brand inspires others to feel their emotions. Write compelling content for your blogs, videos, and emails that speak well to your custom market. And, always spend more time listening to the customer rather than talking to the customer. Same goes for online. In your posts be sure you are talking with them not at them.

3. Send gifts. This may seem like a no-brainer and I thought so, too. But when one of my clients was so impressed with the gift I sent her after she registered for her program, I realized it was not so common place. Find a gift that speaks to them. If it’s a group program (for the coaches out there) – find a fun gift they will emotionally bond with. They will definitely remember you and how they felt. BTW, it’s always wonderful etiquette to send a thank you card and/or gift to people who refer business to you! I am amazed at how many don’t. That will build long lasting relationships always.

This is just the tip of the iceberg to building customer loyalty. Would love your comments below how you have experienced these tips in your own business! Thanks!

Gratitude and Success,