Giving Builds Customer Loyalty

The man who will use his skill and constructive imagination to see how much he can give for a dollar, instead of how little he can give for a dollar, is bound to succeed. – Henry Ford

Customers often need more than what you would first expect. They are looking for products, services, and information to fulfill their needs. However, they often do not know what their needs are, until a helpful business owner leads them down the right path.
When running your business, you have to give of yourself, in all aspects of your business. You may be selling greeting cards for a living, and you might suppose that your customers only need greeting cards when they walk into your store. You would be surprised at how often this is not the case.
Your customer may only think they need a greeting card, yet they don’t know the proper greeting card for the occasion. As a business owner, you can give of your knowledge by asking them the right questions, and giving of your knowledge and expertise to help them choose the right product. If you do not make the additional effort, your customers may become frustrated and leave without making a purchase. Your lack of giving made the buying experience unpleasant for your customer and your business.
In addition, your customers may need a sympathetic ear to listen to their situation. Perhaps they are having a rough time at home, and have no one else to talk to. Even if the topic is completely unrelated to your business, giving of your time and resources can make your customers feel welcome. They will feel comfortable doing business with you, because you give of yourself as a trusted friend would.
Consider sending out greeting cards to your customers, as a way to show that you genuinely care about them. Even if it is just a gentle reminder that you value their business, cards show that you are a giving person, who is willing to make their experience the best one it could possibly be. Your customers will not forget the extra effort that you put forth to give, and will be more than happy to return the favor in the future.