There is no doubt that customer satisfaction plays a key role on how businesses develop quality products and keep revenue coming. This explains why it is important for a company to implement effective methods for communicating with their customers. This way, they could remain current with what consumers say about them. An entrepreneur who has a clear understanding of how vital consumer communication is would definitely want to improve the existing practices and policies with regards to customer communication.

So how can customer communication affect your business?

Consumer Life Cycle: This cycle involves three stages – initial purchase, retaining customers, and continuous marketing to present customers. In order for you to increase profitability, you will need to come up with aggressive customer communication methods that should be utilized right after the initial purchase to make sure they will be satisfied. Without an effective communication system, you won’t be able to keep this life cycle, which will result in you missing out on repeat business.

Development of New Products: As a businessman, you must be fully aware that your consumer base is the main source of your income. In fact, what they think about your products or services can give you a good idea of how bad or well your business is doing. It is essential also that you reach out to your customers so you could better know their opinions on your business. This way, you will know what upgrades or improvements need to be made to your products to improve sales. Needless to say, your customers are the ones in the best position to say the good and bad things about what you are offering. Through effective communication with them, it will come easier for you to come up with new products.

Customer Disappointment and Confusion: Ineffective customer communication methods can lead to confusion and frustration among your customers. It is not difficult to recognize that there is something wrong with the way you communicate with your consumers. In fact, ineffective strategies and methods can even show up in your sales force and even in your marketing tools. If, for instance, your business is to publish magazines and would like to offer free trial subscriptions, there is a possibility for your ads to lack the details regarding the credit card that’s required to avail this offer. This may seem like a simple proofreading error, but this could cause confusion to those who will read your ads. What’s worse is that this simple mistake could even cause your business to lose credibility.

Implementing good customer communication strategies is one aspect you shouldn’t overlook as an entrepreneur. Consider working with a mentor from a reliable business coaching centre to learn how you could strengthen your relationship with your customers and clients.

Author's Bio: 

Cecile Peterkin is a certified career and retirement coach, and a registered member of the Career Professionals of Canada and the International Coach Federation. She is also the Founder and Senior Career Strategist at Cosmic Coaching Centre, provider of career and life management services for middle managers and mid-career professionals across Canada, United States and Europe.