Jan 30 2008
Relationship Marketing - Let’s do Lunch
I am a firm believer in relationship marketing and have talked about it in previous posts. The value and returns that relationship marketing potentially offers can be significant. When was the last time you had a casual discussion with one of your top clients? Does that leave you with an unease feeling? It might be time to deepen your relationships with your clients.
I suggest making plans on shorter notice (2 days) as a casual invite to a friendly restaurant where you and your client can talk. How the meeting goes all depends on what you want to get out of it. Either way you will have the opportunity to thank them for their business but you can also use the occasion to find other business opportunities. For example:
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How can I better serve your needs?
Has our ________ met your expectations?
Would you recommend me?
What can I do better?
These are just a few examples of the types of questions you can ask your valued clients. The whole point is to get into a dialog to learn about client needs and how you can better serve them.
This type of meeting not only strengthens relationships with a client but helps you make informed improvements that will not only increase client retention but also attract new clients.
Let me know how your meeting goes!
Wishing you Success!
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I recently read the book Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. How to Build a Lifelong Community of Colleagues, Contacts, Friends, and Mentors. The subtitle is And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time.
This book is in full agreement with what you have posted here. I highly recommend this approach and this book.
Tracy