LIFETIME CUSTOMERS

There's an old truth that one customer, well satisfied, is
worth a fortune. There's a wonderful story about a couple
looking for a hotel on a rainy, dreary night. At last they
pull up to a small hotel in a rural Pennsylvania town, go
inside and are told the hotel is full. Seeing their fatigue
and despair, the man behind the counter offers to let them
use his own quarters, a small room in the back of the
building.
In the morning, the couple is so grateful and impressed,
the man promises that someday he will open a hotel and hire
the young man to manage it. Time passes, and one day, the
young man receives an invitation to go to New York and
manage the brand new Plaza Hotel.
I have no idea if that story is true, although I've heard
variations of it for many years. The point, however, is
well told:  Every customer has the potential for greatness!
I do some work with a large chain of sporting goods stores.
This week, they had every sales associate in every store
review and sign a pledge to greet every customer as a
valued friend and to do whatever is possible to meet their
needs. The idea is to make as many sales as possible, but
even more, to make sure every potential customer leaves
well-served and happy.
They know the value of life-long customers!
It is always easier and more profitable to keep a customer
than to attract a new one. Advertising is expensive.
Learning the needs of a new customer and serving them well
is difficult. To grow your business, learn the art of
repeat sales.
Your customers are your best source of ideas and
innovations to put you ahead of the crowd.  Listen to them,
honor them, go the extra mile and work with your customers
to achieve what you both want:  a mutually convenient,
satisfying and profitable long-term relationship.