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Or, how do we prevent burning bridges with
people we're doing business with now? Below are a few strategies that I use to prevent burning bridges and to nurture positive relationships with my clients:
* Always treat your customers like dear and valued friends. Do
nice things for them that you'd do for your best friend or a family member.
* If your customer has a problem, rectify it as soon as possible. Communicate with them always. Let them know exactly how you intend to handle
problem, and when you'll be in contact with them next.
* Always try to conduct yourself nobly and professionally in
end, as well as in
beginning of a relationship with your customer.
* If
business/customer relationship doesn't work out, attempt to salvage whatever good and goodwill are still left in
relationship. Just because it didn't work out with them, doesn't mean they wouldn't refer others to you... as long as you treat them with respect.
* Despite any differences of opinion, work hard to be honest and positive. Always be noble, respectful and genuine.
The message is simple: People understand that things go wrong. They understand that you forget. They understand that you get busy. They understand that you and your product or service may be imperfect. All they want is to feel like you respect them, you care about them, and that you'll do whatever it takes to help them.
If you've burned bridges in
past, it's not too late to start re-building them now. Positive relationships are
key to success in business, and it starts with YOU, now.

Craig Valine is the publisher of The AwfulMarketing Alert Newsletter, "Where you learn GOOD marketing strategies by looking at the mistakes of others" To subscribe his free newsletter, go to: http://awfulmarketing.com/ezinesubscribe.htm