5 Ways to be Your Customers’ Favorite Salesperson

5 Ways to be Your Customers’ Favorite Salesperson:from Business 2 Community by Dana Prince

Do you have what it takes to become your customers’ favorite go-to resource?
The right approach to customer care will turn first time buyers into loyal customers. The right standing with your clients can mean that they opt to buy from you over your competitors wherever possible and will mean that they are more willing to listen to your sales pitches, too.
Read on for some of the areas you can work on to try to stay in your clients’ good books.

1. You Respond Promptly

People appreciate prompt attention. Return sales calls and emails quickly, even if you don’t have the final answer your customer wants. Letting them know that you are still working on something is much better than leaving them wondering if you are giving their needs enough attention.
If you are not being attentive to your customers you will leave open the door open for someone else to woo them and take your place.

2. You Strive to Continually Boost Value

Following continuous improvement principles shows value. If your customers see that you are continually working to provide them with great value and good customer experience, this can translate to more business and to getting more of your calls returned.
You might not be able to continually drop your prices but you could show the customer value in other ways, such as streamlining order processes, shortening wait time, providing vital industry information to them, and via other methods, too.

3. You Take Feedback Seriously

Not only do you listen to what your customers want and what they don’t want, but you pay close attention to both positive and negative feedback (and do your best to address negative feedback to find a solution).
If you listen and keep track of important bits of info they give you, this will help you anticipate wants and needs going forward, too.
Salespeople who operate like consultants tend to develop trust with their customers. Try to understand your customer’s business model so that you can show them that you understand what they want and need from suppliers.

4. You’re Not Suffocating

Get to know which methods of communication and follow-up your clients respond best to. If you call every other day asking if the big purchase order you’re waiting on is ready or to say “Need anything?” you’ll probably get on their nerves. (Watch for signs of that so you can adjust behavior!)
There’s a very fine line between being attentive and being aggressive. Look for cues on clients preferred communication methods. Over time you’ll start to get a feel for the best times to call and the best approach based on an individual contact’s personality and preferences. If you position yourself as a resource to clients rather than someone simply sniffing around for a sale you’ll probably get better results.

5. You Show Appreciation

Don’t take clients for granted. Show your appreciation and this could go a long way. A thank you note, a Christmas gift (if it’s deemed appropriate), an occasional lunch, a special discount here and there, and saying Thank You all add up to showing your customers that you appreciate their business.
Some people are natural salespeople and /or relationship managers. If you look at your customers as business relationships that you need to nurture on an ongoing basis you’ll have a better chance of retaining those customers and becoming their preferred supplier. (They may even be willing to provide references, referrals, and testimonials for you, helping you grow your business even further.)