Intelligent CXO Issue 39 | Page 22

EDITOR ’ S QUESTION

Customer relations is how a business connects with its clients , from the first hello to ongoing support . This first meeting is essential for business success because it shapes how customers see and engage with a company . It involves providing reliable service , reaching out to customers and using strategies to build trust and satisfaction , which leads to long-term relationships and business growth .

Did you know that 80 % of customers say the CX a company provides is just as important as the products and services they sell ? ( Salesforce , 2023 ).
When improving your customer relations , you should focus on five core aspects . They are : effective communication , providing support , personalising customer interactions , gaining feedback and enhancing customer satisfaction .
Effective communication
Maintaining consistent communication across various channels , such as phone , email and social media , is crucial for showing customers you are reliable and attentive . This could range from engagement on social media to answering DMs and having a quick email response rate . This approach helps build solid , trust-filled relationships by making customers feel understood and appreciated . It ’ s about ensuring they know you ’ re there for them , ready to listen and respond ,
THIS FIRST MEETING IS ESSENTIAL FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS BECAUSE IT SHAPES HOW CUSTOMERS SEE AND ENGAGE WITH A COMPANY . regardless of the platform and using the platforms they best like to communicate through .
Providing support
Timely and efficient support is essential . By fine-tuning your support channels to handle issues quickly , you can turn a bad customer experience into a good one . Being there when your customers need you most ensures they feel supported and valued . Implement customer support systems within your business so your team can access how to help at all times , have commonly asked questions and know what to do in different scenarios .
Personalising customer interactions
Personalising customer interactions starts by collecting data on their preferences and past behaviour . Using this information to tailor experiences enhances engagement and satisfaction , making each interaction feel uniquely tailored to the individual .
For example , a restaurant might use a regular customer ’ s order history to send personalised offers , like a discount on their favourite dish or an invitation to try a new menu item similar to their preferences , directly through a text or email .
Gaining feedback and enhancing customer satisfaction
Trust Pilot , Google reviews , etc .; you need to encourage feedback ! It is crucial to actively seek and thoughtfully respond to customer feedback .
Using surveys and direct feedback helps you gauge how happy your customers are . This feedback is crucial for fine-tuning your offerings to meet their needs and expectations better . For example , if multiple customers suggest extended weekend hours in their feedback , considering this change could significantly boost satisfaction and business volume .
This is just the beginning of your customer relations strategy . Diving deep into each area and prioritising your customer leads to success .

FIONA WYLIE , FOUNDER , BRAND

CHAMPIONS

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