The world is shrinking. People are more connected than ever through Internet and mobile technology, and one-way marketing messages are hitting brick walls. Your customers expect to be part of the marketing conversation. They don’t want to be sold, they want to be invited to do business with your company in the same way that people invite a new friend out for coffee. They want more than a one-time offer – they want a long-term relationship. Below are five ways to improve relationship marketing. It’s not really so hard. Think of building business relationships in the same way as you build personal relationships. 1. Be real – Companies are made of people. In fact, your employees are the heart and soul of your brand. They spend hours communicating with other people on your behalf. If people connect to your employees, they connect to your brand. Hire people that share your vision and let them be themselves, especially online. If you hide your â”real” selves behind a mask, you’re destined to be found out – and that’s a relationship deal-breaker. 2. Communicate – You know the relationships in your life where you can’t get a word in edgewise? When you put the phone down because the person on the other line won’t shut up and you’ve heard that story before? Don’t be that person in your business relationships. Don’t just sell or promote something – send clients news and provide them with info they can use through newsletters and social media. And listen. You might learn something important. 3. Respond – Instant gratification rules. Today’s consumers don’t want to wait. They’re used to communication that happens fast online and on the phone. This is especially important when someone has a complaint or a service concern. Many times, a customer just wants to know that they’ve been heard. So tell them. 4. Build trust – If you say you’re going to do it. Do it. If you can’t, acknowledge it and apologize. 5. Say thank you – And be sincere. Create a culture where your employees are grateful for your customers. You need them, and if you’re good at relationship marketing, they need you too. As in years before, the windows of the HenkinSchultz building are all dressed up in their shiny and animated holiday best. Drive by and you’ll get a look at the real people who work (and play) here via the magic of video. It’s our chance to give you a glimpse at our creative team. What you see is what you get. We invite you to visit our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Linked In. Get to know us. We think you’ll like us.