Share Knowledge to Stay Close to Customers

Your customers do business with you because they appreciate your unique point of view, the value you bring to the relationship, and your brand. The most exciting companies are in a constant state of learning and evolution. You possess a treasure of inestimable value to your customers: knowledge.

On a personal level, have you made a commitment to share what you are seeing and experiencing in the marketplace on a regular basis? Do you take the time you should to engage with your most important customers, reporting your findings and asking customers what they are seeing and experiencing?

If you feel behind on this responsibility, here's your action plan:

• Make a list of your top 10 customers.
• Schedule a visit with a minimum of one customer per week over the next several weeks.
• Prepare information and a viewpoint that will arm your customers with new competitive advantages or help them make better strategic decisions.
• Share the information--preferably in person--and ask your customers what they are seeing and experiencing.

Follow this month's straightforward customer relationship marketing action plan and you will have two outcomes: 1) your customers will recognize your commitment to their success and, 2) you will likely learn more than you shared.