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| | The Minding Your Own Business Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | Customer / Employee Loyalty and Personal Branding - How important is it to you? | Views: 598 | | Apr 30, 2006 12:57 am | | Customer / Employee Loyalty and Personal Branding - How important is it to you? | # | 
Alex Blom | | Just thought I would try and get a bit of a discussion going here. One thing that I feel makes most indsutry leaders successful in their field is inspiring Customer Loyalty, and realizing this loyalty exists among customers, as well as either branding the company name or owner.
This hit me bluntly several days ago, as I was doing my daily routine of jumping on an instant messaging program and just having a quick chat up with contacts and current / previous clients, when I received a message from a person who used my services for 3 years. He told me that he was going to need these services for an extended period of time again, however the problem was that I no longer operate in this field. I offered to help him find a new provider when he simply asked me how much was it going to take for me to provide this service to his company, price was not a problem.
I questioned him on this, and he simply said that I am a businessman he trusts, that he knows is in the correct mindset for providing the services correctly, and that 'I was Alex, and everybody knows Alex' (my attempt at personal branding in these communities, which became quite successful). After some discussion, I told him quite honestly that unless I was making 15 times what I was charging previously I would not be interested in returning to that field, as I am working on some new projects and taking a bit of time away from a consistent workload. To my suprise, this was no problem and he instantly signed a cheque for 15 times the amount of my previous pricing structure!!
To me, you can not put a price on customer loyalty such as this. It does not matter what new venture I am starting up, if he could even remotely use the service, he will buy it, as well as tell everybody he knows for absolutely no comissions......he is just happy that it is Alex providing the services to him. Fortunately, through previous ventures and extensive networking I have managed to meet several clients like this, and of course never stop looking for such clients. I talk to each on a weekly basis, to keep each of them happy and my name fresh in their minds.
Another example that has hit me quite recently is with a new business venture I am starting up. I contacted a few old friends, who had worked with me before, to run the idea by them. To my suprise, this person (currently studying in college in USA) responded saying that he would like to be a part of this and volunteer his time if I will consider giving him work once he graduates. When asking him why he would quit his current well paying side job to dedicate time to this, the response was 'I know you man, I'm convinced you are going to make it somewhere and I know you are not going to accept failing'. That very same night I was running some ideas by another friend, who is attending the top university for his course, wanted to drop out of his course to dedicate his entire time to working alongside me, because he too believes that I would be able to take him places! (of course, there is no way I am letting him drop out unless I know this is a secure business). I honestly had no idea I inspired that much confidence in those who know me!
I was just wondering how Customer Loyalty and Personal Branding has impacted everybody else out there who is running a business? (typically....the ryze community, hence the post here). It is something that never fails to amaze me, and most certainly encourages me to push harder and to do more!Private Reply to Alex Blom | | May 01, 2006 3:38 am | | re: Customer / Employee Loyalty and Personal Branding - How important is it to you? | # | 
Rachel deHar | | What a great testament to you Alex and your obvious focus on customer satisfaction.
As far as i'm concerned customer service and striving to create a lasting rapport with all I come in contact with (whether it be business related or other) are crucial in creating a successful business.
All to often businesses fail because they are remembered for lousy services and no communication or after sales care. They need to restructure, create new marketing strategies and re-focus their customer care and service.
As you have discovered Alex, that a little care and consideration goes along way, especially after 3 years.
Well done to you and good luck with your future projects.
Regards,
Rachel deHar
Character Driven Marketing http://www.tamaralyster.net
Feel free to join my network "A Womens World"
http://awomensworld-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Rachel deHar | | May 01, 2006 5:12 am | | re: Customer / Employee Loyalty and Personal Branding - How important is it to you? | # | 
T. D. Furbush | | Hey Alex,
After reading your post and profile there is no doubt that you are a born leader. You should be proud and flattered to have such loyalty from friends/associates and clients. It is apparent, by your accomplishments, that whatever you touch is gold and your colleagues have taken notice.
Customer loyalty have bought me repeat business and referrals. My clients know that I will go the extra mile to close a mortgage loan. And my partners know that I will do everything in my power to accomodate them. My character is my personal brand that instills trust.
I wish you well in all your endeavors and I'll see you at the top!Private Reply to T. D. Furbush | | May 01, 2006 5:24 am | | re: re: Customer / Employee Loyalty and Personal Branding - How important is it to you? | # |
Alex Blom | | Rachel & TaWana,
Thankyou for the kind words. Didn't actually mean for this topic to be a personal horn tooter, more to demonstrate to others the benefits of a strong relationship with their clients (but of course, who would complain about a horn tooter?!)
Thanks again!Private Reply to Alex Blom | | |
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