How to Keep Your Customers

Have you ever made a commitment that didn’t stick? Perhaps you resolved to begin a new exercise regime but stopped it after week one. You may have even resolved to draw in more clients, but didn’t follow through in developing your lead generation system. You might have promised a client you would follow up with them by next week and forgot.

When you fail to keep commitments, your brain looks for an excuse such as, “I don’t have enough time,” “I don’t have the money” or “I’ll get to it”.

Failing to meet commitments causes a ripple effect and can damage your reputation as a business owner and your relationships with your customers.

Brian Tracy once said, “You keep customers by delivering on your promises, fulfilling your commitments, and continually investing in the quality of your relationships. With choices at your customer’s fingertips keeping promises is more important than ever.

When you start using these excuses, stop yourself and try these tips instead:

Write down your commitments. The biggest failure in meeting commitments is often the “I forgot”. When you show up for appointments late, don’t set appointments for yourself, or completely forget, it diminishes your credibility. When you write down your commitment it helps you to remember, gauge the resources you need and when you can realistically meet them. Use technology to help you by adding all of your tasks to your electronic calendar.

In addition, add an extra 30 minutes to each meeting. Most people make the mistake of setting a time for a meeting, but not additional time to complete the list of to-do items from that meeting. Tack on additional time following the meeting to complete your task list.

These quick tips will help you show up as the bold leader you are, complete your to-do list, and efficiently fulfill your commitments so you keep your customers.