The number one reason customers leave your business, is because they don't feel valued.

Question: Why do YOU stop using a business?

Good businesses stay in touch with their clients regularly.

For my birthday. I received a birthday card from Andrew Morphett, the mortgage broker we used to buy our house.

Andrew didn't have to send me a birthday card. In fact I haven't seen him for 2 years.

There are over 500 mortgage brokers in Melbourne, but when it comes time to refinancing our mortgage, or recommending a mortgage broker to a friend, who do you think we'll recommend?

Andrew, of course!

Andrew cares, he sent me a birthday card.

I'm not sure if he's the best mortgage broker in Melbourne, but he seems to know what he's doing and he cares about me.

The point is, most businesses are highly competitive, and you need an edge to keep existing customers, and get new customers.

Good customer relationship management doesn't cost a fortune.

There is some very simple and cost effective ($200) customer contact and relationship software that reminds you to send a birthday card, send a Christmas card, or make a new offer etc.

People buy products and use services.

Remember, build an ongoing relationship with your customer, and they have no reason to change.