The business relationship is based on trust and trust grows from getting to know a person. Once you establish that trust, most likely, a loyal customer is born. It is important to acknowledge and reward that loyalty, the loyalty that keeps you in business. A loyalty program might be just the tool you need to keep, and garner, business.

Airlines and hotel loyalty clubs have become commonplace. Why not mold this idea to fit your particular business and clientele? I recently read an article regarding receiving promotional items, coupons, etc. that were in no way geared to the customer’s buying habits. Why not? The information is available regarding what each customer usually purchases. Use this information to customize coupons, discounts, promotions, etc. that are germane to each customer.

Look back at customer data and see what is most often purchased. Customize emails in your Email ResponderPro to be sent to all the customers that usually buy a specific item with a coupon for that item. Do this for all the commonly purchased products and send to the customers who use these. Make it “worth it” for the customer to open that email and call or come in. If a customer is loyal, they deserve to be awarded appropriately, not spammed. Give back to them. Take the time to acknowledge and appreciate their trust and business by showing that you really pay attention to them and their buying habits.

Dear *Customer*

For many years now you have been a trusted and loyal customer. I know that *product* is useful to your business and you often buy *product* both in-store and online. I appreciate your business and I hope that you will take advantage of the coupon below on your next purchase. Thank you.

*The Boss*

(Coupon for product)

Blogging has become a huge avenue for individuals to express themselves. Even in the age of social media with 140 characters and mini updates, blogs are still popular. Within these updates, you’ll notice people will post links to their (or others’) blogs. A weblog is an excellent way to market your business, compare products, discuss industry and, basically, get your name out on the internet.

Some; however, do not want to set up a blog or are unsure how to do so. The blogging sites are easy to use, but it just might not be for you. Here’s where the Email ResponderPro can be put to another, good use. Employers, owners, etc. can use the ResponderPro as a small blog to be sent out to customers.

In an email, you can express your thoughts on the current industry standards, fluctuations, etc. Use it to market a current product or price increase/decrease and address how this will affect your customers. Discuss different trends, product reviews, economic impact on the industry. You can talk about whatever is affecting you and your clients at the time. It is a blog in a different form.

Send it to all on your email list. Customize the blogs according to your contacts. Address what is important to them and share it. This keeps your name in front of your customers while showing that you recognize what is important to them and their business.

A DAY IN THE *INDUSTRY’S* LIFE

Today’s economic downturn has brought……….

Continue with idea of the day and close with addressing your customer

……..I hope that you find this interesting since you have just merged with such and such company. I look forward to talking more about this with you.

Thank you.

The Email ResponderPro has been shown to be an incredible business tool. There are unlimited ways to use the ResponderPro for business communication, promotion, and retention. Several templates have been shown to create various uses for the Email ResponderPro.

The next template is one for you to showcase your products and pricing. It is a good habit to constantly be in contact with your customers, clients, vendors, even competition. This template is a good reminder of what you have to offer both in your products and their pricing.

Dear *Customer*

I hope this email finds you and your business thriving. I am writing to offer any help that I can to better your business. I have posted a new pricing list below for all of our products. I have highlighted the products that you have purchased in the past. You will notice that some of the prices on those items have changed (for the better). Please feel free to fax, email, or call your order in. We are looking forward to continuing this mutually beneficial relationship. Thanks for your patronage.

*The Boss*

Product                                             Price
Product                                           Price
Product                                             Price
Product                                             Price

Social media has changed the manner in which people are connecting, both personally and professionally.  Postings, tweets, updates, links, videos, blogs are all being shared via the internet to several contacts at once.  It is an excellent tool to promote business.

The problem is that not all your customers, clients, and contacts may be utilizing these social sites.  The Email ResponderPro could be the answer to blasting information in one click to those not versed in the web’s newest promotional tools.  Imagine taking your blog, or the link to something integral to your business, and sending it to all your business contacts just as you would post something to followers or friends.

You actually can really customize these to the people for whom they would have the most importance.  Send a link about industry price increases to all your vendors and associates.  Send a blog about customer relations in the recession to all of your customers.  Blast a video about employee appreciation and communication to all of your employees.  You can use this automated email to make connections with those not “wired” into the social media sites that have permeated the business world.

To *Client*

I found this great article about the direction of our industry in this current recession. I thought you might find it interesting. Please feel free to call or email after you have finished reading this piece. I would welcome and enjoy the opportunity to discuss the impact that these predicted circumstances could have on our business. Thanks.

*The Boss*

The last vendor email template is related to not doing business together. The next template could be a good business tool to keep handy. Obviously, people are often willing to negotiate when asked. No one is going to automatically drop prices before you have even objected to the current price.

They may; however, if you say that you would buy from them if only they offered a discount or lowered the price slightly. They may also be more willing to negotiate if you mention that another vendor can provide the same services for $500.00 cheaper. This template could allow a good conversation to get going. You might open up some doors that may have otherwise remain closed.

Dear *Vendor*

Thank you for responding to me so quickly regarding my product pricing request. Currently we do use the products that you offer; however, I am able to receive these at a lower price from an out of town vendor. Would you be willing to discuss a per unit discount, as I buy these products in *certain amounts* twice per month? I look forward to further discussing our business relationship. I am sure that we can come to a mutually agreeable resolution. Thank you.

*Boss*

After sending the vendor template, you may be inundated with business hopefuls. They will be calling, emailing, etc. to follow-up on your pricing request. This is another excellent opportunity to use an automated email response system. You can customize one for those that meet your needs, to say that you will be in touch regarding making a purchase. You can customize other emails to be sent to the vendors with whom you might work, those with whom you won’t, and those with whom you might be able to negotiate a better deal.

The first template is to those with whom you probably will not do business.

Dear *Vendor*

Thank you for taking the time to answer my product and pricing questions. I appreciate your getting the information to me so quickly. At this time, we are not in need of the products that you carry (*or have found a better price*). I will keep all of your information on file and will let you know if we are in need of your services in the future. Good luck in all of your business ventures.

*Boss*

It cannot be expressed enough what a time-saving, cost effective tool an automated email response system can be. It has been used for clients, customers, in-office notes, working from home, newsletters, sales calls, surveys, – the list goes on and on. Not to mention using it as an automated response when you are unable to answer your emails. How far this product has come!

Imagine using a customized automated response system like the Email ResponderPro to easily, quickly, and effectively comparison shop. Yes, comparison shop your vendors. It has been established that vendors, in this economic downturn, are more likely to “work something out” than they once used to be. Keep them in the loop, let them bid for you, even those that were always too costly.

Use the ResponderPro to contact ALL of your vendors to determine their current prices, discounts, turnaround time, etc. You can customize the email according to the products that you are researching. Send one to all those who offer office supplies, another to those who supply your products, and so on.

Dear *Vendor*

We, at *Company*, are currently updating our business files. I have a few questions about some products that we are in need of purchasing. Please fill out the following so we can learn more about your products, prices, and services and; hopefully, do some business together.

*List the products that you are looking for*
*Ask for prices and turnaround time*
*Ask if any current discounts apply*
*Ask if they have a low price guarantee or anything comparable*

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to working with you.

*Boss*

The introduction template for the Email ResponderPro mentioned that “the boss” would check back with potential customers to see if they had any questions or concerns. The next template can be customized to hit on the key points of the introduction and try to address some potential issues for the prospective customer.

A time-saving, cost-effective attribute of the Email ResponderPro is the ability to customize it. When first sending out an introduction email, you can draft the follow-up email and set it to send at an appropriate time.

Hello *Potential Customer*,

I am *Boss*, the owner of *Business*, and I sent you an introductory email last week along with a catalog. I am hoping that you have had some time to look over our products. I am ready to answer any questions that you may have. I have included a link below for you to visit and express any concerns that you have. I will get back to you as soon as I am able to address these concerns.

Thank you,
*Boss*

link to visit

Using an automated email response system like the Email ResponderPro is an excellent tool to mass market your business.  You can introduce yourself and your business to thousands in one click.  You can customize your message to focus on certain aspects of your service to appeal to different customers.  This will allow you to reach potential customers without expending too much time or money.

Hello *Potential Customer*

My name is *Boss* and I am the owner of *Business*. We specialize in the sales and service of *product*. I have included a catalog of products for you to look over. We are able to help you better your sales by *supplying particular service*. Please take a moment to look over our products, some of the businesses we currently serve, and some of our reviews by your business peers. I look forward to working with you. We can be found at *Address, Phone Number, Website* Please be advised that we are currently offering a “first-time buyer’s” discount. I will be in touch in the next few days to answer any questions. Thank you.

*Boss*

One of the many benefits of the Email ResponderPro is the customizable features that it has. Using this type of email response system for more than just an “out of office reply” can accelerate business. Customers and vendors alike can give you positive feedback regarding your business.

Surveys are an easy way to get some basic information regarding the reputation of your service. The first template is aimed at customers to get some ideas on maintaining or improving current business practice.

Dear *Customer*,

In an attempt to better serve you, we have assembled a survey for your input. For anonymity’s sake, you may go to the link below and be directed to the survey. Please feel free to comment on any areas that you feel need attention.

Thank you,
*Your Business*

A basic survey could include:
Are you happy with our response time regarding returning phone calls or getting you the desired information?
Have you been satisfied with answers and do you feel that we are knowledgeable and trustworthy?
How do you feel our prices compare with competitors?
Is customer service satisfactory?
Would you do repeat business with us based on your experience?
Have you referred us to anyone? Would you be willing to refer us?
Have there been any negative issues that you have experienced?
Do you trust, and feel comfortable with, your salesperson?
What are some areas that you feel we need to improve upon?
What are some areas in which we excel?

Make sure to leave room for comments. Any and all information can strengthen your service. These are basic ideas that can be customized for your business. You just might learn something that can help future business.