Every day, people come up with business ideas, plans to solve a problem, all targeted to meet a need. All of these will remain just beautiful dreams without a target customer.
"Customer is King!" This is a mantra that any and every business owner is familiar with. Anyone who doesn't might as well not be in business!
Although this "Customer is King" is a popular saying, the "Kingship" of the customer has been called to question time and time again. Hence we are here to settle it just as we settled the "Jollof" war.
There is no business plan without a target market and no successful business without customer satisfaction. It is safe to say the growth and success of any business is hinged on the customers. (Yet some argue that the customer isn't king….)
Why exactly is the customer a king?
● Customer perception
The needs and wants of customers are the building blocks of businesses and the goal is to efficiently meet these needs. Therefore you need to pay keen attention to what your target audience are saying, what they prefer and what makes them tick. All of these are to provide you with the needed information to make informed decisions that will positively impact your business.
Remember, you are responsible for the customers’ perception of your brand through your services.
● Customer retention
When preparing a business plan, it is very important to be aware of the fact that not everyone is your customer. Hence the need to map out your target market and focus your resources on wooing them. It is one thing to attract a customer; it is an entirely different ball game in retaining the said customer. Customer retention produces brand evangelists that can help you ‘carry your matter on their heads'. It takes a lot to attract a customer, and trust me when I say losing customers is definitely not on the to-do list.
Customer retention>>>>> customer attraction
● Brand profile
You don't want to make it to the 'naughty book' of your customers. The world is a global village and it’s the era where customers drag brands that they are dissatisfied with like 'Tiger generator'. Your business can only deliver service adequately when it is fully equipped to understand and satisfy the customers’ needs and wants.
No two customers are the same. Each King is on his/her throne. Knowing what your customer wants, delivering as promised, and even going the extra mile to satisfy a customer; that's how you build a successful brand. The customers are the reason you're in business.
Always remember, the customer is a King and more!
Adios,
Kiki