People aren’t taking their business elsewhere merely because of convenience and lower price. The root of the problem is a lack of loyalty. That word your parents and grandparents used when they did business. This loyalty in business didn’t disappear into thin air. It is a concept that is a real business asset in 2018. But if you currently feel like there is a lack of loyalty with your customer base, there is always the proven way forward:
Build trust through open communication and dialogue with customers. Admit it when you make mistakes. Repeatedly offer the best products possible through trial and error. Exceed expectations with products and service. Repeat.
You need open communication and dialogue because it is necessary to know who your customers are; what your customers want, need, and expect from you; and why they want it; and then to provide those things in a tailored way. When you try to reach everyone, you end up reaching no one. That’s why it is so important to understand your spot in the business space and to build relationships with your tribe.
Communication > Relationships > Trust > Loyalty
And I say to repeat these steps because consistency is the foundation of trust. And with trust and consistency, you are well on your way to making loyalty a part of your business.
