Just like in our personal life, our customer relationships evolve over time.

Whilst relationships are never perfect, except in the movies there are signs whether your customer relationships are healthy.

By understanding the signs of a healthy relationship, you can easily identify what is missing and what parts of the relationship needs a little attention.

So what are 7 signs of a healthy customer relationship:

Trust

This is a no-brainer and something we all want to achieve with our customers. We know it is important for our customers to trust us. It is also important for us to trust our customers.

Positive Input

As we become more visible today, we should take note that our customers can see and read what we say, whether on Twitter, blog posts or in forums. Businesses that have healthy relationships with customers do not criticise or pull them down in forums, comments or on Twitter etc. Instead both sides support each other and if they have any differences they are not played out in the open.

Sense of Humour

If you and your customers can share a laugh especially when things go wrong then this is a healthy sign. We may not always agree with our customers, but laughter can often ease the tension. It can also show that you have a similar outlooks and values.

Sharing of Responsibility

If the relationship is just one sided, then it could be a sign that the relationship may heading for trouble. Clear understanding of the responsibilities can help each side do their part. When both sides carry their weight then amazing results can occur.

Listening, Understanding and Accepting

Listening, understanding and accepting your customers’ point of view and the way they feel and act can help strengthen the relationship. This of course takes time; however it can lead to looking outside the square to solve difficult situations.

Freedom

We have similarities and differences in our personalities and how we think, feel and behave as we are not clones of each other. By being ourselves and letting our customer do the same then it is a lot easier to continue to have a strong relationship.

Respect

In all relationships respect is important. As respect needs to be earned, in strong relationships you may not like certain decisions your customers make, but you can still respect their decisions. You will also find if you have the respect of your customers they will seek your advice, products and services etc more often.

From your experience with strong customer relationships, would you like to add other signs?

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