People matter. This is even more true now, despite the explosion of social media. I have just come from a Business Breakfast where we were told of the growth of social media and how crucial it is to be part of it if we are to be successful businesses. This is absolutely right and it is something that few businesses are really paying enough attention to. At the same time, I am currently working with a company, helping them to grow. Around 90% of their business comes directly from personal contact. This might be referrals, knowing the right person or moving in the right circles. They also get a lot of repeat business because they are getting their customer service right. Especially in the business to business marketplace let us all make sure we are doing the face to face work – alongside the digital marketplace.
The face to face approach still works. This is especially true if you are the sort of business that has repeat orders from your customer. It really is important that you continue to talk to your customer. Understand what they need and work with them to deliver that need.
“People still buy from people”.