Customer contact is key

In the New Year, particularly in the current economy, it is more important than ever to retain your clients. Make sure you connect with them regularly to let them know you appreciate their business. By creating this open dialogue, you increase your top of mind awareness and develop open communication which customers want and need.

Fortunately, connecting with customer doesn't have to be costly. Try these affordable tips to show your customers you care:

- Mail them copies of their press clippings with a handwritten note
- Send monthly e-mail blasts with special offers, discounts or promotions just for subscribers
- Treat your top customers to lunch or host a client appreciation event
- Send a personal e-mail or call them when you add a new product or service of interest
- Create a customer referral program


Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis

Information Overload

I don’t know about you, but with the current economic situation of our country, the nasty political campaigns, and all the new media we have to choose from I am suffering from Information Overload which can bog me down mentally which hurts my productivity. To try to limit how much information I get and when, I do the following:

1) Read the news headlines on MSN and local newspaper websites once in the morning.
2) I watch one local news program each day, usually the 11 p.m. news.
3) I read my e-mail and return phone calls in blocks.
4) I delete e-mail forwards, chain letters and calls for political action without reading them.
5) I save my blog, magazine and social networking reading for the weekends when I’m less likely to be on overload.

It is sometimes hard to segment my days like this, but this system – though not foolproof – allows me to work in large blocks of time without being interrupted by the latest political, financial or celebrity scandal while staying on top of current issues of the day.

How do you compartmentalize your time to avoid the crush of news and information each day? I’d love to hear your ideas!

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis

Retaining Existing Customers

A colleague reminded me last Thursday that it is more cost effective to retain an existing customer than it is to attract a new one. Why? Because you've already sold them on your products and/or services, so there is less time and marketing involved. One of the best ways to retain existing customers is through consistent contact. This might include regular newsletters, monthly coupons or specials, customer appreciation events, holiday cards or e-mail campaigns. However you choose to do so, make sure that you regularly communicate with your customers. Satisfied customers can be your best marketing tools, so take good care of them!

Virtually Yourz,

Dana