Valentine’s Day is only a few days away. It’s a day to show those closest to you how much you love and care for them. Naturally, your significant other and family are at the top of the list, but what about your customers, prospects, and team members? Now, we’re not suggesting you take your entire network out for dinner on the big day. We’re also not suggesting that you only show your appreciation to the folks in your network one day a year. Instead, why not show your network how much you appreciate their business and introductions by providing excellent service every day. After all, consistent service from the heart is what builds the foundation for a solid, successful business.

Serving from the heart

Serving from the heart is one of the core tenets of relationship marketing. It allows you to show your current and prospective customers and team members that they’re more than just business to you – you appreciate them as well. There are many ways to show your appreciation; many people write a nice card or provide them a thoughtful gift. However, the best way is to provide consistent service every day. 

“In the world of algorithms, hashtags, and followers, know the true importance of human connection.” 

Connect with your peeps

As humans, we crave connection. While technology makes it easier to connect with on another, we’re often missing that human connection, the personal touch that makes us feel special. It’s one thing to send a mass email to thank your network or “Like” post here and there; it’s more meaningful to reach out and personally make a connection, whether it’s with a text or an invitation to coffee.

“Always render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what your task may be.”

-Og Mandino

Serve your customers

Your customers are more than the folks who purchase goods and services from you; they may also recommend their friends and loved ones to you as well. Between business and introductions, they drive your business to success. Show how much you appreciate them by providing great service.

1. Follow up. Following up is an act of love. It does more than help you stay top of mind; it also provides the opportunity to find out how you can serve them better.
2. Listen. When you connect with them, ask them open-ended questions that allow you to learn more about them and their changing needs. Most importantly, listen to what they’re telling you – from the words they use to their body language or tone of voice if you’re conversing in person. 
3. Find a way to help. Whether it’s a product you sell or a person you know, figure out a way to help your customers address their challenge or frustration. This is the ultimate act of service that will help you differentiate yourself from the competition. 

“Earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense of others.” 

-H. Jackson Brown Jr

Serve your prospects

Prospective customers and team members are often folks who have been introduced to you and may be interested in your products and service. If they’re familiar with the products and wish to get into business for themselves, they may join your team. For these folks, it’s all about building trust by showing off your competence and expertise.

1. Ask the right questions. It’s all about getting to know them and their needs. Even if you’ve known them forever, you may discover something new. Ask open-ended questions that provide insight into the challenge they wish to address. 
2. Offer guidance. This is your opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise. If they’re prospective customers, tell them more about your business and the products and services you sell. Share your knowledge of the topic and how your business can help. If they’re prospective distributors, tell them about your business and all that it’s done for you. Share your experience in the industry and be honest.
3. Take the time to build trust. Network marketers are often quick to make the sale but then fail to continue to follow up. As a result, customers go elsewhere and forget all about the business. If someone isn’t ready to buy or join your team just yet, don’t write them off. Instead, continue to follow up with them and build the relationship. Over time, you’ll build trust and they’ll understand and appreciate your expertise. When they’re ready, you’ll not only have built a strong relationship, but you’ll have made a strong advocate as well. 

“Our rewards in life will always be in direct ratio to our service.”

– Earl Nightingale

Serve your team

Your team of distributors also comprises the foundation of your success. These are the folks who trust you to lead them along their journeys to creating successful businesses. Through service, you’re not only showing them you appreciate them, but you’re also showing them the appropriate way to serve their customers and team members. 

1. Model the behavior you wish to see. Relationship marketing is a totally new concept for many network marketers, especially those who are used to traditional sales methods. So show them the behavior and activities that not only build businesses but also build relationships. Then, they can see how it’s done and that it works.
2. Build trust. Whether you were barely acquainted before or you’re old friends, there’s a different dynamic when you’re tasked with leading someone. However, at the center of it all is trust. Continue to build trust through consistency – keep in touch, do what you say you will, and provide support when necessary.
3. Be a mentor. Don’t leave your team to fend for themselves, especially if they’re new to network marketing or have never built a business before. Guide them through the process and share your experiences and expertise. Explain the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Additionally, encourage them to grow professionally by recommending books, magazines, podcasts, and other media that can help them grow their minds, improve their perspective, and lead thriving businesses. 

“Give your hands to serve, and your hearts to love.”

– Mother Teresa

Serve yourself

Hey, that’s you! Remember you – the person who leads a growing business in addition to everything else in your life? Serving yourself takes the form of self-care. Now, self-care is more than taking a long, relaxing walk in nature or signing up for a spa day with your friends. These are also so important – as are other ways to take care of and pamper yourself. However, it also includes personal development.

Learning is a continuous process. You don’t suddenly stop as soon as you reach your version of success. It’s vital to continue to learn and grow even if the business is booming and you have more prospective team members than you had ever dreamed of having. Each level of success comes with new challenges and experiences that require a fresh perspective and new insight to handle them appropriately. And, the only way you can get this is through the following:

• Books and other media. You can learn so much from the experiences of others. Read a book written by or about a business hero, read articles about the latest news in your industry, and listen to podcasts or watch inspiring shows or movies.
• Get a mentor. The mentorship benefits you can give to your team you can get from getting a mentor yourself. Select someone in your industry or a leader outside of it who has found success. 
• Find a coach. A coach offers a different perspective than a mentor. A coach provides an unbiased opinion about your business and will hold you accountable to your business and goals. 

Stay in touch

The best way to serve your network is through consistent communication. If consistency is hard – and it is, especially when you’re just starting out – let Teamzy help. Teamzy can help you stay in touch with all of your customers, prospects, and distributors. Just login daily and view your Dashboard to see who to contact each day. Then, reach out and log your activities. It’s as simple as that! Build your business every day in 30 minutes or less. Visit Teamzy.com to learn more.