You know what "relationship marketing" is, it's building a personal connection with your customers and potential customers, being approachable, using friendly language, open, fair minded and generous.
It's pleasant to do, to be friendly, the common man/woman among one's peers. People want to buy from you because they trust you. Building a relationship with people helps them want to trust you. We prefer tried and true standard brands because we've learned to trust them.
But, beware. If you build a relationship, make sure it's based on genuine caring, real friendliness, and actual trustworthiness. Don't mess with people's trust and goodwill. A disillusioned relationship marketed customer is not going to come back, they are going to go forward to share their disappointment with others. Better not to woo, than to woo and jilt or betray.
I've been wooed and disappointed. It doesn't feel good, and they've not only lost my business, my referrals and recommendations, but also a place at my affiliate table.
MarketMaid's:
Relationship Marketing Top Ten Rules
1. If you don't mean it, don't say it.
2. Not everyone is your real and true friend, don't pretend they are.
3. Not everyone is going to be a favorite, don't imply they can be.
4. Don't offer "empty benefits," you know, the freebies that are actually pretty worthless.
5. If you say you'll do it. Do it. If you can't, then apologize quickly.
6. Don't ask for favors.
7. Don't hint for favors.
8. Be real, be yourself,
9. Be only as generous as you feel like being.
10. Always, always, always say thank you.
Comments