We will never agree on what the traits are that make a successful entrepreneur, but forming trusted relationships is always at the top of the list.  Today’s guest post is from Brian Jenkins, who provides a simple checklist for every small business.

“Successful entrepreneurs establish bonds with their customers.  It’s not the quantity of communications with customers that counts, it’s the quality.

Customer loyalty is built on personal relationships and trust.  Typically, 80 percent of business is derived from repeat customers.  Also, loyal customers often act as advocates for a business.  Shown below is a list of effective bonding tips:

  1. Provide something extra: Offer clients something unexpected, something that is not required.  Provide something for free that delights the client.
  2. Be reliable: Help customers out of a jam by working for them on a Friday night or during a weekend.  The extra effort will be appreciated.
  3. Personal information: Ask questions that induce clients to talk about themselves.  Over a period of time, the vendor is seen as someone who cares.
  4. Dialog with readers: Add a questions and answers segment to the email marketing newsletter.  Publish customers’ questions and the insightful answers.  Encourage feedback.
  5. Team member: Be seen as someone who is striving to improve the customer’s life or business.  Those viewed as just a product or service provider can be easily replaced.
  6. Say thank you: Send a card to thank prospective customers for taking the time out of their busy schedule to listen to the sales pitch.  It’s a good way to let potential customers know they’re not just a statistic.  However, don’t use the term “sales pitch!”
  7. Add some fun: Laughing together increases the bond.  Share humorous stories.
  8. Be truthful: Don’t make up an answer to a question.  Making up an answer will hurt the relationship.  Do some research and provide a useful answer later on.  The answer, “I don’t know, let me get back to you on that.” is better than guessing at the answer.
  9. The benefits: Emphasize the benefits the product will bring to the customer’s life or business.”

Brian Jenkins writes for the Career Resources section on Braintrack.com