The Importance of Social Marketing Relationships.

I’m going to save you a bundle, all you have to do is keep
on reading. And if you take what I tell you to heart, maybe you’ll make a bundle, too.

A number of big businesses (ones that can afford to spend millions on market research) have come to an important
conclusion:

Customers often buy from people they know and like.

Not exactly a revelation. Still, it’s important to understand why Fortune 500 companies are building entire strategies
around the idea via Facebook, Twitter etc.

For example, Wal-Mart trains employees to stop what they’re doing and offer assistance any time a customer
walks within 10 feet of them. It’s a great way to make the customer feel like she’s among people who care about her
shopping experience.

Here’s the point…

Take time to notice the relationships you are developing
with customers and prospects. Think of ways you can connect with them, especially with past customers you
haven’t heard from in a while.

How might you go about doing this?

Send a “personal” letter; hold an “appreciation” event; call
them. Social Media Sites where you can create new contacts and opportunities as well as strengthen existing customer relationships That is The Branding Effect.

Nothing too strategic or expensive… not an intricate Fortune 500-like CRM (Customer Relationship Management) program…
just relatively simple, but much appreciated gestures.

The thing is, in our hyper-paced world, most companies don’t commit the small amount of time and energy it takes to
acknowledge their customers or clients.

Case in point: When was the last time someone you have purchased from communicated with you… outside of wanting
to re-sell you? If you can’t remember or it’s a small percentage, imagine how you’ll stand out from the crowd by taking the
initiative.

The bottom line? Save yourself some research dollars, and
know that a “relationship” is an important marketing tool.

by Clay Marafiote