NJ Business Networking Blog

Ten Tips to Keep in Touch — Cultivate and Keep Loyal Clients with Creative Communication

We know that marketing to existing clients returns at least five times more bottom-line profit than the same dollar spent on marketing to acquire new clients. It just makes sense to take excellent care of current clients. Keep in constant touch with them and let them know you care. If you don’t, your competitor will. Below are ten tips — ideas to help you creatively stay connected with your current clients and turn them into loyal fans.

1. Besides your regular newsletters, send letters and emails. Share something that will be of genuine value to them (books, articles, information and/or appropriate networking opportunities). Knowing and keeping in mind what they are passionate about will help you to be effective at this.

2. Call them sometimes with no sales agenda, just to see how they’re doing. Maybe ask if they have any needs you could help with.

3. Occasionally, arrange to meet in person. Ask questions and listen, and always give your undivided attention. Remember to turn off your cell phone. Make them feel important and special.

4. Make an effort to understand your clients’ needs and introduce them to others who could be of help to them.

5. Follow up promptly on referrals they give you. Thank them and keep them apprised of your progress. Read more »

One of the best networking books I’ve come across is The Go Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann and it gets our highest recommendation. This easy to read book does an excellent job of illustrating through parable, the new school approach to networking and building relationships.

Providing value first and foremost before ever expecting anything in return, be it business referrals or otherwise, is crucial in developing long-term business relationships.

Please watch the video book review below by Benjamin Bach

Blogging For Business can be Powerful for connecting with your target audience and building relationships. Are You Ready To Unleash The Power Of Blogs in Your Business?

It’s been simmering below the surface for years and now this power shift has finally boiled over into simultaneous national recognition. Like Goliath being slain with a lowly slingshot, the mainstream media (in the form of Dan Rather) came to the undeniable realization that they were no longer in control of information.

Blogging For Business The Smart Way

Within 30-minutes of that now infamous TV special on “60-Minutes II” broadcast bloggers were digging into the facts and questioning the validity of what had just been presented by the 42-year broadcast veteran. In less than one week, CBS admitted it could “no longer vouch” for the memos. And just weeks after the election, Rather announced his retirement and the blogosphere won another victory.

No matter what your political affiliation is, this incident is one very public example of the power of blogging. Blogging is quickly… Read more »

Excellent customer service is virtually a necessity in today’s competition fierce business environment. As a product, service or solutions provider, you need to meet or EXCEED customer expectations… Do you?

In today’s world, relationships are more important than ever with your client base. You MUST make an impression. You MUST do your very best to be remembered. Keep in mind, that doesn’t have to mean some grandiose gesture. The little things really count. This is vital if you are looking for more repeat or referral business.

Learn a quick lesson from Frank the cab driver in the video below. Then go to the smart referral system to see the system he uses to make the lasting impression that you know you NEED to be making as well.

You can find more about Shep Hyken at his website.

Chris Brogan had a post on his blog last week called “Social in Real Space vs Social Networking”. This theme seems to be popping up a lot lately, and what I love about blogs, bloggers, and the blogosphere is that each of us is allowed and encouraged to continue the discussion on a variety of topics. His post is great, as it talks about how one can leverage their on-line networking activities with their in-person meet and greets. Read more »

We’ve heard it before - networking is a fundamental element of building a business. What’s a business without suppliers, customers and overall, a community of support? Large or small, businesses need to pay close attention to creating a world of reliable and valuable contacts.

For small businesses, in particular, there are resources dedicated to cultivating effective networks. First stop: your local chamber of commerce. Small businesses comprise the bulk of chamber of commerce membership in the U.S. In fact, almost 96% of U.S. Chamber member companies have fewer than 100 employees. Read more »

Why is asking for referrals so hard to do sometimes? After all, word of mouth is the most effective form of advertising, so why do we jeopardize our own efforts by hesitating to talk about them? It’s almost like a dirty deed that we fear will make us look like aggressive salespeople rather than seasoned professionals.

Asking For Referrals Demonstrates the Following Important Elements:

1. Your Level of Confident Professionalism. The opposite is actually the truth. By not discussing, you are not showing the level of confidence required to build a successful business. While some people will be so impressed with what you do they will feel compelled to tell others, there are people that won’t be sure if you are receptive to new clients. How will they know you are open to referrals unless you start asking for referrals? Read more »

Pay it Forward (Warner Brothers Pictures, 2000), is one of my favorite movies. In it, a young boy has a remarkable idea that instead of paying someone back for a kindness they have given, you pay someone forward with a kindness you have to offer. The rules of paying it forward are simple:

#1 It has to be something that really helps people.

#2 Something they can’t do by themselves.

#3 I do it for them, they do it for three other people Read more »