In The Beginning
I’m just a Kansas girl now living in Arizona with my partner of nearly 18 years and our Morkie, (Yorkie/Maltese) mix. We left the family we had left and friends, along with the humidity and tornadoes of the spring and summer and the bitter winds that brought the ice and snow of winter. We exchanged that for the brutal high temperatures in Arizona (it’s a dry heat, doncha know). And we love it.
I’ve realized just how much I learned about building relationships at a very young age from my Mom, Dorothy. She was a hairdresser and had some amazing patrons, (that’s what she called them back then). I quickly realized they were more than just her (patrons). They were close friends and I knew she'd do anything for them. I thank God for my Mom every day and the things she taught me. I sure wish I could tell her.
Without my knowledge, my Mom was teaching me about relationships. No matter who was in her chair, she could relate to each and every one.
I saw as a kid she did something very special. She sent handwritten notes to her patrons, friends, and family! How do I know? Because I got to write many of those letters as she got older, and her hands were arthritic from being in the water for 65+ years of being a hairdresser. Since I loved to write, she just told me what to say, and together we got it done.
Mom made each note personal, with no blanket letter for her. Even at Christmas for our one big family letter, she would highlight what stood out for each family member and would then add what we had been doing over the year. She never made it about us, it was always about them first.
Her letters were special and years later (she’s been gone 18 years), my cousins still say how much they loved my Mom and how special she made each one feel. WOW! That’s awesome and it makes my heart smile.
Mom was a pretty smart cookie, I just didn’t realize it then. I wish I’d known long before, just how brilliant she was. All the while, she was teaching me about relationships and I credit her for who I am today. And she didn't even know it.
Building relationships is the lifeline of any business. Today it’s called relationship marketing. Relationship marketing is a strategy designed to foster customer loyalty, and interaction to provide long-term engagement.
It is designed to develop strong connections with customers by providing them with information directly suited to their needs and interests and by providing open communication.
The stronger the relationships you establish with your customers, the greater their trust and loyalty in your business. The greater their trust and loyalty the apter they are to refer you to their friends, family, and co-workers. It’s as simple as that.
Business is a people thing. You’ve been hearing for some time now that people like doing business with those that they know, like, and trust. It’s true. Those with whom they have relationships are at the top of their list.
Relationship selling is defined as a ‘sales technique’ that focuses on the interaction between a buyer and the salesperson, rather than the price or details about the product.
Building a relationship and having a great rapport with your customers gives you the potential for long-term results instead of a one-time sale. Relationship building is an extremely important skill and if you’re fortunate, you’ll learn it. It’s great when it comes naturally, people can sense the authenticity and they can also spot a fake or a put-on.
You’ll still need to know how to talk to people and sometimes that may just mean listening. God gave us two ears and just one mouth for a reason.
Something I do know is my Mom would be happy about the cards I send. I know she would be both thrilled and proud. Since then I’ve sent hundreds of cards for various reasons. I’ve also helped other people understand the value of sending a little bit of sunshine every day in a card and helped them send cards too.
To find out about the simple, yet powerful system I use for sending greeting cards to build long-term relationships subscribe to my blog. You won’t believe how affordable it is. And for some, it’s their best marketing tool.