Customers are an important part of business. Without them there would be no business. OK, this is not breaking news but something I try to work on is looking after my customers. I find this is an ongoing thought process for me – ie. about service & care – and when I read a post at Pink Heels about Listening To Customers, it renewed my thought process again.

Pink Heels says

Through active listening, encourage comments, suggestions, and thoughts from your customers and allow it to soak. Do not become defensive of constructive criticism that you may receive. In most cases they are being honest in an effort to help you succeed. Take in all of the information obtained and reflect upon what they are telling you before determining how to satisfy their needs and wants.

This is so true and I believe this to be an important part to the success of a business. Being an active listener helps to build up trusting seller/buyer relationships. I also find myself taking note when I receive querires from potential buyers. Sometimes my first reaction can be “what kind of question is that?” But I now stop myself and go directly to my listing description ….. and usually find that I haven’t given enough detail or the description needs rewording ….. I find that I learn ‘something’ from the buyer and this helps me out with future product choices and listing preparations. I can be lazy at times and not take note but when Pink Heels asks the question –

What are your customers telling you? Are you ACTIVELY listening? What changes do you need to implement?

It made me realise that this is an ongoing part of business for business success just like doing the bookkeeping, research, planning and so on. And I certainly need to think about any changes that need implementing.

Ciao for now,

Elena