The ever-changing world of business has one constant: you must meet the demands of the modern customer. Whether you’re a large organization, a small family shop, a budding LLC, or just someone looking to dip your toes into the business world, we all have many things to learn from our customers. Adapting to their changing experiences and needs will power your business upward. Try using these four key points to learn how to adapt to the modern customer.
TURN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS:
One of the most valuable tools to adapt to your customer is an ear that listens. Listening builds loyalty and acting on suggestions tells customers that you actually care.
- Keep an open mind and look for common points in comments or complaints
- Ask questions and get to know individual customers
- Keep notes/records so you remember what’s important to each customer or customer group
- Create question polls or surveys
- Encourage online reviews and ratings
STRIVE TO PROVIDE YOUR CUSTOMERS WITH SOLUTIONS:
When considering how to best serve your customer, strive to provide solutions rather than focusing on selling products. When you offer the customer solutions you become more trustworthy, reliable, and innovative in their eyes. Your customers will keep coming back if you help them solve problems!
- Be thorough
- Do your research
- Use data to support your ideas
- Test your idea
- Sell the solution first, then sell the product
EMBRACE CHANGE:
A business that has the ability to embrace frequent and fast changes is a healthy business. Aside from being able to adapt to changes, your business needs to expect them. Today’s healthiest businesses expect change and attempt to adapt or even stay ahead of trends. Complacency inhibits growth and leaves you crawling—instead of sprinting.
- Stay educated on industry trends and technology
- Find inspiration in other people and industries
- Create an online marketing presence
- Improve efficiency
- Evaluate fears and opportunities realistically
PERSONALIZE THE CUSTOMER’S EXPERIENCE:
Customers remember your business based on their first experience—this begins as soon as they make the decision to pursue the product or service you are advertising. The benefit of technology is increasing personalization and customers LOVE IT.
- Create amazing first impressions
- Take every opportunity to address a customer by name
- Believe in your creative abilities
- Follow up with customized offers
- Expand options when possible
If these steps on how to adapt to the modern customer can help your business. Still rattled or confused on where to start, call (239)-262-1237 or email [email protected] for a free idea session!