1.     Know your customer's top priority. Maybe it's reliability or speed or cost. Your company should know your clientele's number 1 priority and consistently deliver it. Remember, customers' desires change frequently, so ask yourself this question frequently.

2.     Create a positive first impression. Good first impressions tend to generate loyal customers, and you get only one chance to make a positive first impression. Ensure that any new customer has their needs addressed and is told that their business is appreciated.

3.     Understand lost customers. Unfortunately, from time to time you will lose customers.  Many business owners mistakenly believe that customers choose to patronize other companies solely because of better prices. While pricing can be a concern, customers often head to the competition when they don't feel valued or their needs are not being met.

4.     Listen to your customers. Employees should listen actively to customers. Reassure your customers that you genuinely want to help them and meet their needs. Customers will judge your business based on the politeness, empathy, effort, and honesty of your staff. 

5.     Don't be afraid to make changes in your business.  Times change and your business must evolve to stay competitive.  However, make sure that you take customer feedback into account when making changes in your business so that you'll evolve in synch with your customers and not move away from what they need.

6.     When things do go wrong, address and resolve complaints quickly and effectively. Inevitably, your employees will encounter unsatisfied customers. Whether they're returning an item or changing a service, customers expect a fair policy. If you cannot offer a resolution immediately, let the customer know when he or she can expect an answer.