Relationship marketing is a fancy way of saying building strong relationships with your customers. And you’re probably already doing it every day.
Before we jump into the marketing piece, I want to stress that you’re not required to have a deep relationship to do business with your customers, but this form of marketing has stood the test of time and proven to be most rewarding. If you focus on personalized and engaging interactions, and not on the sale, the business and relationship will come naturally.
As a service provider, your customers want to get to know the person behind your business. They need to trust you. If they don’t, you have no chance for a deeper connection. So, how do we build trust? Enter your online presence and empathy.
People come to your social media profiles and immediately begin forming an opinion about you and your business. Are you happy with what they’ll find?
Everything from your profile photo, tone of voice, choice of words, and content will help them determine whether they like, respect, and relate to you. This is where empathy comes in. They want to know you’ve walked in their shoes, understand their needs, and will successfully help them accomplish their goals. If they decide to contact you, they already feel a connection to you.
Now the relationship building begins. Loyal customers are often your primary source of referrals and are likely to make repeat purchases. Much of your content should help your audience get more from your services. But posting is just the beginning of the conversation.
The engagement that comes along with it takes the awareness to a relationship level and if you supply your customers with truly valuable content regularly, they’ll develop a natural interest in your business.
Please share this post with any service provider who will benefit from the message.
Christopher is a Personal Branding and Productivity Coach empowering real estate agents and small business owners to stand out in the crowded marketplace and increase productivity. He’s developed his personal brand as a real estate broker in NY & ME, International DJ, and Coach. Everything he teaches revolves around real-world experience, not textbook advice.
Here’s the Pagli insanely useful gift guide for the real estate agent or small business owner in your life.
Small business is big work and every business owner needs practical tools to succeed. These gifts are tested by me, and Above and Beyond approved.
Bookmark this post for future reference.
Essential Reading Gifts
Everybody Writes 2– By Anne Handley“The new and improved go-to guide for writing ridiculously good content” – Anne Handley – If you write anything, this book is a must read. Times have changed from what we were taught in elementary school. Anne helps us write for today’s online world.
The Experience Maker – By Dan Gingiss(Foreward by Ann Handley) – The customer experience defines a successful business. Dan shares how to create remarkable experiences that help you stand out in the marketp[lace and build lasting relationships with your customers.
Entrepreneur Magazine Subscription– Each month you’ll get inspiration from industry leaders and hear success/failure stories from other entrepreneurs. We’re all in this together.
The Go-Giver– By Bob Berg and John David Mann – Every business owners needs this concept in their life.
Contagious– By Jonah Berger – Take a deep dive into why things catch on.
Canva Pro Membership – Most small business owners don’t have the time or the capacity to learn design. Canva takes the guesswork and frustration out of creating digital and printable projects. They offer printing services for anything from mugs to t-shirts and fliers (brilliant if you ask me, keep it all in house).
Laptop Desk – If you work from this desk will increase your productivity and happiness from the comfort of your couch. Everyone should look forward to going to the couch-office.
5-in-1 Laptop Stand – You’ve probably heard that sitting is the new smoking. If you spend too much time working from the couch, this adjustable 5-in-1 stand will help you quit your nasty habit. Plus you’ll help support the MOMA in NYC, a win for all.
Pro Writing Aid – This tool is a super-charged editor for your writing. I used Grammarly for a long time and ProWritingAid lured me over with many heartfelt email offers. Saving $70 bucks on a year’s subscription was also enticing (they have a 25% off sale a few times a year). Whether you’re writing an email or creating social media posts, web pages, real estate listing remarks, blog posts, you’ll sound better and feel smarter.
WD 2T Elements Portable External Hard Drive– Finding a good external hard drive requires a lot of patience. There are so many options and just as many conflicting reviews. This one consistently ranked high and it’s easy to use. Compatible with MAC and PC.
Blue Yeti USB Mic– When the pandemic hit these mics flew off the shelf. Why? Because they are one of the best at an affordable price. If you’re zooming, presenting, or podcasting this mic is essential for crystal clear audio.
Inkletech Ring Light – Good lighting is everything when you are making videos. This light ring is the perfect tool for bringing your bright ideas forward. It comes with a mount for mobile devices or DSLR cameras, a travel bag, a six foot stand, and a remote control for the light and your phone.
Skillshare Membership – Wouldn’t it be cool to have access to thousands of classes ranging from entrepreneurship to marketing and design for a small price? You can! Skillshare has you covered. An hour a day goes a long way.
If you want to make professional looking videos from your smartphone, these tools are essential.
Pop Voice Lavalier Lapel Mic – This lapel mic plugs into the microphone jack on your phone and makes your videos sound professional. Your viewers will feel more connected to you. If you have an iPhone 7 or newer, you’ll need an adapter for the headphone jack (I’ve got you covered, that’s next on the list).
Apple Lightning Headphone Jack Adaptor – There are many adaptors out there but this is the only one that I found that works with the Lavalier mic. Buy it direct from Apple for only
Victiv 72” Camera Tripod – It’s compact and easy to use with smartphones or DSLR cameras. Place it on your desktop. Go full length. Take it with you wherever you go for more stable videos.
Tip – Download the ProMovie app for $2.99 – It’s easy to ease turns your phone into a professional video camera.
Fun Gifts
Aqua Notes Water Proof Note Pad – Once the water gets goin’ the ideas start flowin’. Some of the best ideas are born in the shower. Now you can write them down mid-lather.
Christopher is a Personal Branding and Productivity Coach empowering real estate agents and small business owners to stand out in the crowded marketplace and increase productivity. He’s developed his personal brand as a real estate broker in NY & ME, International DJ, and Coach. Everything he teaches revolves around real-world experience, not textbook advice.
