Relationship Marketing.
Everybody talks about it but does anybody really know what it means?
My take:
It simply means you sorta/kinda/really get to know your customers/prospects and others who might be interested in your products or services. It also means you build relationships with others who compliment your niche. This second group can be a powerful resource when it comes time for referrals!
There seems to be one constant in business that has stood the test of time.
People like to do business with people they know, like, and trust. Period.
Wouldn’t you agree?
Now, having your business completely online presents a whole new set of intricacies. How do you make this happen?
For starters, you have to be visibile!
Of course, you hope people will find your blog, and you hope they will follow you on Twitter, and you hope they are getting to know you through your Facebook Fan page.
Sound familiar? All that hoping is nothing more than passive behavior and I have to ask. How’s that workin’ for ya?? It’s a simple fact that if you want your audience to grow and to get to know you, it takes being pro-active on your part. Relationships aren’t built on hope and this includes your online marketing relationships!
You have to know how to keep your brand “front and center!”
Quickly, can I use the example of a young man wanting a relationship with the cute girl he just met? A simple “Hi” won’t produce anything. He must call her, pursue her, invite her out, have conversations with her, etc. That’s how relationships grow and the same is true for your biz!
Some examples for you . . .
Use E-mails. Be sure and e-mail your customers and potential customers on a regular basis. I know. Some say e-mail is dead, but I disagree. Use the e-mails to “talk” to your list. Let them get to “know” you in a very friendly, easy-going way through e-mail. Of course, be sure and let them know about special offers on your products and new content on your blog, but, regularly give useful information in the form of tips or links to other useful sites. Be helpful!
Newsletters. This is a popular method because people love news! If you fill that newsletter full of great info, people will begin to know and like you. If your newsletter is beneficial to your target audience, they will begin looking for it in their e-mail box!
Social Networking. You knew I’d go here. It has been the catalyst that has driven my own business forward and I am a firm believer in it! Be visible! “Talk” to your customers on Twitter, “friend” them on Facebook, connect with them on LinkedIn, and let them see you in pictures on Pinterest! The more places you connect, the better!
Be accessible. Make sure that people know you are easy to get in touch with. Now, I’m not suggesting you let any one dominate your time but you should try to answer your e-mails, respond to comments on your blog, re-tweet a good Twitter message, contribute to a FB thread, and recommend somone’s services on LinkedIn.
Are you starting to “get” what relational marketing is?
OK, get out there, be pro-active, and build some relationships! Virtually, that is 
Peace,
-Martha
Martha
Martha Giffen is a speaker, consultant, and best-selling author of "Be Social Be Rich." She coaches biz owners on how to reach more customers in less time, and dishes it all out with a warm southern flare!
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Super tips, and so practical! Not everyone wants to be on one platform or another. Some people who would read a long email would die before logging into Facebook.
Not for nothing was LinkedIn’s original tag line “Relationships Matter.”
Susan Critelli recently posted..10 Commandments of Using Pinterest for Business
Four great examples at the end of the post… and great point about letting nothing dominate. Do a little of each every day and you’ll like the results!
Loved this article, Martha. The analogy about the fellow wanting to date made your point very clear. There a a number of ways to reach people because not all of them keep in touch the same way. Thanks!
Lisa Birnesser recently posted..Tips for a Stress-Less Summer Vacation
Building relationships has always been one of those “way outside the comfort zone” things for me. But thanks to you and a few others who dragged me kicking and screaming into social media, I’m finding it’s not so bad to get to know people after all. Thanks for another great post!
Helena Ritchie recently posted..Growing Your Self-Confidence One Step at a Time
Great post Martha! The know, like, and trust factor is so important for me-and it is able to be established through all the platforms you suggested. My favorite is social media-it is the most fun. However, I try to remain consistent with emails too. Thanks for posting.
Gretchen Pritts recently posted..Doing Different Types of Social Media Wrong
I agree with you. It is one of the most tedious part of doing business, but it really pays a lot of dividends.
Heather recently posted..cheap spain tour
I feel so motivated, thanks Martha!
Sally K Witt recently posted..Getting to know people and making friends online with Social Media
I don’t think email is dead, I do say I hate email a lot though and only because I dislike automated emails that sound like they are sent to all users with no personalization but your name. When it comes to building relationships I think email should follow in the footsteps of social media.
Karla Campos recently posted..Will You Stand Up For Freedom This Fourth Of July? Freedom Walk 2012
Hi Martha,
I agree that building relationships online is crucial to your success. And, as you say, it takes a lot more than just putting up a blog and writing some articles. You’ve got to get out there and make your presence known.
Awesome information, Martha. Thanks for sharing!
Gregory
Gregory McGuire recently posted..What’s Really Important In Your Network Marketing Business?
It’s not always easy, but well worth the effort! Thanks for your input Gregory!
Martha recently posted..Social Networking: What’s HOT and What’s NOT
I am trying to learn about all these things to because a better marketer and show people who i am. This helps me Martha! Thank you!
Barbara Peters recently posted..Relationship Health: Did you take your ‘one-a-day’ Today?
Glad I could help Barbara! If you need anything else, just click on the “work with me” tab at the top
Martha recently posted..Do You Invest In YOU?
Too cool we did a post about the same subject and yes that is what it’s all about.. the relationship! I will pay more for a service with a person I trust! It’s as simple as that! Love it Martha and agree!
elizabeth Maness recently posted..The Power Of Networking
Yes, and think about it. You pretty much get what you pay for. Want the premium service? Enough said! Thanks for stopping by Elizabeth.
Martha recently posted..How To Become An Opportunity Magnet
This is great! I especially like – Be accessible. There is little more frustrating than responding to a question posted only to have the host completely ignore it. If you’re going to be visible in social realm, you need to be dedicated to corresponding. You’re great at that Martha.
Sheri
Thanks Sheri! The thing is. . . WHY even bother with social media if you’re not going to really engage? I don’t understand people that do that.
Martha recently posted..How To Be A Guru Millionaire (it’s not what you think!)
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