5 Tips to Boost Personal Connections for Increased Retention Rates

You've finally found that big client, the one you've been looking for for months. Or your most loyal customer sends you a handful of referrals and you want to build a real relationship with them. Or maybe you've finished a few projects and are wondering how to nurture those relationships so you can land future work as well.

Many of us generally agree that it is cheaper to retain a current customer than to acquire a new one. So, whatever your situation, increasing the lifetime value of your customers is a critical aspect of any customer-focused business. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to strengthen your personal relationships with your customers and keep them coming back.

1. Invite customers to connect.

The most obvious (but time-consuming) way to build personal relationships is to invite business contacts to connect in a way that brings value to them. If you're lucky enough to live near your customers, ask them for coffee or lunch. A simple $5 coffee date can start a great conversation. If you can't meet in person, offer a free 20-minute strategy session or something similar over the phone or video chat.

Next, choose to listen more than talk. Get to know your client's interests, family and priorities. Offer a real partnership and be trustworthy. If your client is not interested or does not have time? No need to be in a hurry. An invite is always a connection point and could set you apart from your competitors. The time management experts at Calendar.com suggest using an online calendar solution to remind yourself to contact "sometimes" whatever you think the relationship can last.

2. Send thank you notes.

While people don't always expect thank you notes these days, they do convey genuine appreciation. After all, it takes time to pull out a notecard and write on it.

Depending on your business structure, you may want someone else to write and sign the notes. If your team doesn't have the time or bandwidth for physical thank you notes, an email is a decent alternative. When you reach a project or timeline milestone (end of year, etc.), send a quick thank you message for your client's business. Gratitude is a good practice; sharing it with your customers shows them what kind of person you are and what kind of business you run.

3. Develop a giving program for customers.

Sending a gift shows a level of thoughtfulness that sets the best customer service teams apart from the rest. You can send gifts at certain milestones or just because, to surprise and delight your customers.

Be sure to follow correctly