Building Relationships

One thing that has become apparent to me over the past few years is that big corporations seem to have utter contempt and disrespect for their customers. I can't even count the number of times I have called customer service at a company and been treated rudely. To make matters worse, the credit card companies charge exorbitant fees, the banks charge you to make ATM withdrawals, and the phone, utility and cable companies will disconnect your service despite the fact that you've paid the bill! Let's not even discuss what the oil companies are doing to us right now. The bottom line is that these large corporations have forgotten they need us, the customers.

So, as a home-based business owner, how will you distinguish yourself from these big corporations? Will you sponsor reps into your business and then forget about them or will you provide mentorship, support, and training? If your product is a lotion or potion, will you keep in touch with your customers and make sure they are satisfied with the products they are buying from you?

Building relationships is key in building a home-based business. You want to create a bond with your reps and your customers. You want your reps and your customers to trust you and to feel that you have their best interests at heart.

In order to gain trust with your reps, you must communicate with them. Make sure they understand the product and how to market it. Provide advice and assistance. Don't be selfish with your knowledge. Remember, by educating your reps, ultimately, you will benefit!

To build trust with your customers, you must be knowledgable about your product. That means committing your time to participate in training calls and workshops. Read any training materials provided by your company about the products you are selling. There's nothing worse than being unable to answer a question about a product you're selling!

Follow up is important whether you are dealing with a rep or a customer. As far as your reps go, set a follow-up schedule. Decide whether you are going to contact them weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Whether you contact your reps by phone or e-mail, regularly let them know you are there for them.

With customers, send out a handwritten thank you card thanking them for their order and letting them know how much you appreciate their business. Every month or two, call them or e-mail them to make sure they are using the product correctly and to answer any questions they might have.

When your reps and customers know that you care about them, they will trust you and continue to do business with you, even if you move on to a new venture. So be consistent and always remember that relationship building is the key to success.