The Importance of Ongoing Client Relationships

Is it beginning to feel a lot Christmas at your house? 

Is the weather warming up and are Christmas products and Christmas music filling your local shops?  Maybe it’s not in full swing yet, but now is a great time to plan ahead so that at least your valued client base hear from you as you add your personal touch to your business relationship.
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Christmas is an amazing time where you can tell people that you are thinking of them, that you are grateful for them and that you wish them a happy and safe holiday season. I have a great offer which I will tell you about later on in this blog, but for now lets talk about the importance of ongoing client relationships.

The Benefits of Valuing Your Business Clients & Colleagues 
As a small business owner I know how valuable my clients and colleagues are to the success of my business and to the process of moving forward. I would not be where I am today in my business and personally without the amazing people in my life including clients and colleagues. Owning your own business is not for the faint hearted and support is crucial, so it is equally important to support and encourage those who stand by you. 

There are many ways to do this. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can foster these relationships and I’ve added one special, meaningful thing you can do as we approach the holiday season. Read on….

Connecting Personally when making a Phone call or Email: 
Be personable and friendly in your contact. It takes no extra effort to ask how someone is, if they had a good weekend, what their plans / hopes are for their business futures. Make a brief note if relevant information is given. For example if they respond “Had a great weekend thanks, went fishing and caught plenty.’ Next time there’s contact ask if they’ve been fishing again. This demonstrates personal interest and your recall of the conversation. 

Maintain the Connection even when there is no ongoing business happening:
Check in on your clients briefly, but again in a friendly and personable way. “Is there anything I can help you with?” “Thought of you as I launching this new product and I feel it would really benefit your business. Have you got a few moments to hear about it?” This reinforces a 'caring connection' which follows through into helping them achieve their business aspirations by their connection to you and your business.

Follow your clients on social media:
We all know how great it is to get a reaction and/or comment on our social media posts so why not do that for your clients. For example follow them on Facebook and interact with what is going on in their business, such a quick simple thing to do but could mean a lot for a small business. Make sure that when people respond to something of yours on social media that you reply to it. It is not only polite but it also puts your business name and brand in front of them again.

Randomly send cards and/or gifts:
I love receiving things in the mail or by courier do you? How about sending something special to those that you do business with and for? You could even go a step further and purchase gifts to send from other small businesses. How impacting it is when your gifts are branded in your colours, with your website and logo?

Now let’s talk about this offer I have for you!
​I am getting all organised and sorted for Christmas and I can help you get ready too! One Bite Design has a range of Christmas card designs pre-formatted for Vista Print. I will include your unique business logo, brand colours and website to enable you to not only thank your clients and impress your prospects, but also ensure that your brand remains top of their mind during this busy season. Vista print has a 50% off greeting cards at the moment! Get your personalised branded holiday cards ordered NOW in time for Christmas!  

Remember that a personal, friendly connection is always appreciated. There’s an old saying “A smile is a curve that puts a lot of things straight!’ so send a smile to your clients this Christmas season.
 
Email helen@onebitedesign.co.nz and view the card options at www.onebitedesign.co.nz NOW!