Relationship Marketing | Build Your Online Business

As entrepreneurs we are often affected by many negative things beyond of our control and these can cause F.E.A.R! According to the Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, fear is defined as dread, terror, trepidation; emotions that react to stimulus, external or internal. In addition, I like the definition of F.E.A.R as  False Evidence Appearing Real.

I believe that because we are natural nurturers, women more than men are anxious to see that everything follows a specific path; the slightest deviation from that path causes us intense anxiety and result in fear lurking its ugly head. In our minds we see gloom and doom when the reality is that it may just be a temporary setback.

This is where the Entrepreneurs Fear Factor comes in. Some years ago there was a reality show called “Fear Factor” that you either liked or disliked.  This is our reality as entrepreneurs: we encounter F.E.A.R in our business.  However, there is a simple element that if introduced more often could dilute the level of F.E.A.R we experience.  It's as simple as (more…)

Relationship Marketing is defined on cecausa.com as a “marketing methodology by which a business establishes a relationship with their customers and stakeholders in order to foster customer loyalty and purchases over time.”

This simple, but straightforward definition captures the essence of why relationship marketing has to be an integral part of the strategies implemented by small and micro-businesses owned by soloentrepreneurs.  The goal should be to develop long-term relationships as it is over time that business owners will be able to continue to provide value, and as they provide value the often repeated factor – the know,like, and trust factor – will develop.

One of the essential aspects of relationship marketing is the retention of existing customers.  When you consider that it takes (more…)

I enjoy being in Direct Sales as well as an Internet Marketer because as a Direct Sales Consultant I can provide individualized service to my customers. I have an even greater opportunity to build lasting relationships as they get to know, like and trust me and see that I care about them as individuals.  I've been fortunate to have customers who have been supporting my business for over 11 years.

I also like to support other Consultants in Direct Sales, but have found that on many occasions I meet a Consultant at a Party or Show, hosted by a mutual friend, and purchase something from them but never hear from them again.

This is not a post to critique anyone, but to highlight that this is an area many of us may need to work on.  I have been guilty of this as well as from time to time I've received calls from someone who said, “I've been searching for your card as my product was finished and I just found it…”  or, “I wish you had you label on the products so I'd be able to call you without having to search for your card”.  Two very important steps I neglected to do.

Most business owners, including Direct Sales Consultants, recognize the importance of cultivating and maintaining good relationships with their customers. At the same time, many overlook the need to follow-up after the sale or service. Here are three reasons (more…)