I’ve had a lot of people ask me about client retention because it’s something I’ve been very successful at over the years. On that note, here’s how I did it from the initial sale all the way through the entire long-term relationship.
Steps to take with the initial sale:
Step 1: Verbally thank the client for his business when you close the sale.
Step 2: Review expectations and what will happen next.
Whatever your particular steps are, go over these steps with the client and let him know how and when he will be kept up to date.
Step 3: Ask the client if he has any final questions, thank him once again for his business, and reiterate when he will next hear from you or someone from your company.
Step 4: Send a handwritten thank-you note the day you get the order. *
Sign the thank-you note in blue ink and include your business card.
Step 5: Introduce other team members they might be working with.
Step 6: Follow up and deliver what you say you’ll deliver.
At a minimum you must deliver what you say you will, when you say you will. Ideally you’ll deliver more than you say you will. Always try to give something extra.
Step 7: Call or stop by in-person before, during, and after initial delivery of the product or service.
It’s particularly important in the beginning of the relationship to communicate often. This may feel like micro-managing and it is. You have to ensure everyone does what they’re supposed to do and everything goes smoothly on this initial sale. It’s best to follow a check-list.
Step 8: Survey the client on how you did.
Do this step in-person or on the phone. What did you do well and what could have been done better?
* - Note: Depending upon the size and significance of an order, it may be appropriate to thank a client with more than a thank-you note. You may also do this for more than just the initial order. Here are some various ways to do that:
Next, shift your focus to building a life-long relationship.
Step 9: Reach out 18 to 26 times per year.
Reach out in a variety of ways: phone calls, e-mails, regular mail, in-person visits, Fed-Ex, etc.
In addition to sending out holiday cards, you can send gift baskets, bottles of wine, champagne, and other items to your best clients. Also, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Cards (potential fourth and fifth contacts) stand out because few people send them, but I’d still send a December Holiday Card.
Note: You are an expert. You are expected to be learning, reading, and passing applicable and valuable information on to your clients and prospects.
Step 10: Practice these overall client rules:
Note: You don’t need to follow this plan with all your accounts, only with the clients you want to keep. Most likely your largest clients. If you follow the 80/20 Rule, you will be doing this with your top 20% of accounts that give you 80% of your business.
If you care about your clients, treat them right, build strong relationships, and keep them happy, you will rarely have to worry about having enough business. Not only will they stay with you, they will also refer business associates, friends, and family. In addition, if you’re working with happy, life-long clients all day, your work and life will be much more enjoyable.
John Chapin is a motivational sales speaker and trainer. For his free newsletter, or to have him speak at your next event, go to: www.completeselling.com John has over 29 years of sales experience as a number one sales rep and is the author of the 2010 sales book of the year: Sales Encyclopedia. You can reprint provided you keep contact information in place. E-mail: johnchapin@completeselling.com.
John Chapin
# 1 Sales Rep w 29+ years’ experience, Author of the 2010 sales book of the year: SALES ENCYCLOPEDIA (Axiom Book Awards) - The largest sales book on the planet (678 pages).
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