The Two Words Every Business Should Use

The two words every business should use must be said after every sale. These two “magic” words aren’t complex or elaborate. However, this basic phrase is instrumental in establishing long-term relationships with both customers and clients.

Do you give up guessing what they are? Without further ado…the two words every business should use are… “Thank you.”

Creating solid customer relationships is critical to a small business’ long-term success, while operating in a very powerful, competitive environment. Adding new customers is important, but keeping current customers is just as important. Saying the words, “Thank You,” following a sale, or any time someone asks a question, will go a long way with customers.

Customers feel important, and more than just a number, when a business owner or employee says, “Thank you.” Showing appreciation after every sale lets customers know that what they spent their hard-earned money matters to the business. Saying thank you applies to both business-to-business or business-to-consumer sales.

At the same time, that thank you helps motivate repeat sales, while cultivating a devoted customer base. These are the same people who will post positive online reviews and spread the word about your business to friends and family.

Significant Business Effect

Hard to imagine how an employee thank you can create such a positive significant effect on a business. Here are a few outcomes from that employee gesture:

Creates Customer Participation:

By expressing appreciation, a business proves to its customers that their purchase and support are both treasured and recognized. This modest gesture cultivates a feeling of friendliness which would could inspire customers to spend more money with the business.

Boosts Customer Satisfaction:

The simple thank you statement sends a message to the customer that he or she is not “just a number” on a financial spreadsheet.  A “Thank You,” following a sale, makes the customer feel both treasured and valued. As a result, a thank you gesture boosts customer satisfaction, while also increasing the chances for more business from that customer.

Produces a Long-term Memorable Impact:

Customers have long memories. They don’t forget businesses that go “above and beyond” with customer service. A sincere “Thank You” can produce a long-term memorable impact which distinguishes itself from the competition. Going above and beyond shows a business’ loyalty to creating worthwhile relationships, as well as, displaying how a business credits its success to its customers.

Favorable Endorsements:

There’s a good chance that happy and satisfied customers will tell others, either by word-of-mouth or via social media, about their experiences with a business. Appreciating your customers many times result in those same people becoming an extension of your sales staff. Their endorsements could lead to new customers and more business, which ultimately leads to extra revenue.

Build Strong Customer Relationships:

A straightforward thank you builds stronger customer relationships with a business. Customers who believe they’re valued will stay faithful to a business, even if there are other viable options. Strong customer relationships usually result in more business leading to more profits.

Strengthens a Favorable Profile:

Constantly saying, “Thank You” to customers helps mold a favorable business profile.  A good reputation highlights a business as thoughtful, service-oriented, and grateful. The end result for a favorable profile may entice new customers.

Individualizes Customer Engagement:

Every person wants to be liked and accepted. A thank-you from a business can fulfill that feeling. Personalizing that business thank you can have a significant impact on building a stronger customer-business bond. Some examples are handwritten thank you cards, customized emails, or even small gifts.

Steering the Business Toward Future Accomplishments

The “Thank You” can be spoken or written in a customized email or card. A “Thank You” can be an uncomplicated, yet effective way, to build strong customer relationships, as well as, cultivate future growth.

At the same time, a “thank you” creates customer participation, boosts customer satisfaction, and strengthens a favorable profile for the business. Staff and management can express their gratitude and appreciation to customers by saying, “Thank You.” Everyone associated with a business needs to have “Thank You” as part of his or her vocabulary. After all, these are the two words every business should use after a sale. In fact, all of us need to use these two words in our daily conversations!

Denis Sweeney