Understanding the needs of your clients or customers is arguably the most important part of any business. Without knowing what your potential purchasers want, how can you give them the right solution? For any business to thrive, it is essential that you appreciate the ‘need’ and then offer the appropriate answer, whether that is a product or a service. Before planning out your business model for the next year, here are our top tips for better understanding your clients.
Listen to Understand
This may seem obvious, but thousands of companies, big and small, receive critical customer feedback regularly but fail to act on it to improve their offering. Listen carefully to your clients or customers and always aim to act on what they tell you. If one customer is thinking it, chances are the rest are too, so make sure you take it on board.If you are in a meeting with a client and they are giving you a lot of information, don’t be afraid to scribble away whilst they’re talking to get their points down on paper. Many people think they need to maintain constant eye contact to show you are paying attention. But your client would much rather you make notes that you can refer to later, than forget half of what they have said.
Establish A Relationship
Over the past few decades, there has been a massive shift in what customers expect from businesses. Companies have moved past being just product or price orientated, as more and more clients and customers are looking to establish a positive relationship as well as their business transaction. It is important to create trust with your clients to gain their loyalty. By doing this you will retain customers, allowing your business to thrive.
Assess Your Target Market
It is critical to understand the target market you are trying to tap in to. If you run a tech business – are you aiming to target millennials? Or is your product or service going to best assist those who are not as familiar using tech – such as the over 60’s? Do you own a shop and need to appeal to the general public? Do you own a taxi service and need to think about inclusivity, by purchasing more wheelchair accessible vehicles from companies like Allied Mobility? Whatever it may be, make sure you take a step back and assess the needs of your customers before you plan out your business model.
By truly understanding the needs of your customers or clients, you will be able to offer the appropriate solutions. By doing this, your business is positioning itself in the best place for success.
