Keep them coming back. Speak Your Customer’s Love Language-Part One
ByMost people appreciate, and expect, a common courtesy of a verbal thank you at the appropriate times. It is after all it is the polite thing to do especially if someone just handed you money for your services! Want to keep her coming back? Learn to speak her language.
What you may not have thought about though is that each of us has our own “love language”, our preferred way of feeling special. We actually like a combination of them but we tend to have a primary language. Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book for couples called “The Five Love Languages”. Although the book is discussing relationships between couples I apply the concepts to my customers, friends, and other family members as well. Dr. Chapman’s book is on my personal recommended reading list and I buy copies as gifts.
For more in-depth information I would recommend getting the book. But I need to share with you some of the basic concepts now before I give you the ideas I have for your business so you will understand why I suggest what I do.
In a nut shell we tend to prefer verbal affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, or touch. And yes, we also may like a little of each one and we may be oblivious to one or more styles too.
Verbal affirmation is telling someone you appreciate them with words.
Quality time is simply spending time together doing something they enjoy. Even people’s definition of quality time will vary. For example, my husband’s idea of quality time is me sitting in the same room while he watches TV. My idea of quality time is the two of us talking about my favorite topics.
Gift giving is another way of saying you care. You know the jewelry stores love people with the gift giving language!
Acts of service is demonstrating you care by doing something for them. This could range from washing their car to having their favorite beverage on hand.
Touch is another language. Of course, in the business world, you can’t go around hugging everyone. But a simple touch on the elbow or shoulder or a warm hand shake can still communicate that you value them.
Now that you have the basic concept, next week I will give you some ideas on how you might consider impressing your customers in various ways. Hopefully one of them will touch the client in a way that she notices and does feel appreciated by you so that your business is always her first choice.
