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Whats the most important asset your business has? Ive posed that question dozens of times to business owners in various industries over the years. Sadly most have fallen short of what I believe to be the correct answer.

So that I dont cause you any further undue stress, I may as well just let the cat out of the bag now. The answer is:

Your existing customers!

Thats right! The most valuable asset your business has, is not your store, the fixtures, not your inventory, intellectual properties, fleet of vehicles, computers and software, not even, dare I say, your employees its your database of existing customers.

Establishing long-term relationships with your customers is the backbone and lifeblood of your business. Its what enables your business to grow and profit. Many companies spend a lot of time and money trying to find new customers and very little in keeping their existing customers.

The Cost of Not Staying Connected with Customers is Real and Measurable

Numbers dont lie. Attracting a new customer can cost 5 to 10 times more in advertising and promotional dollars than it costs to retain an existing one. Research analyst Alex Brown estimates that U.S. organizations lose one-half of their customers every five years, and a 5% incremental improvement in the customer retention rate could have the effect of doubling profits. Its axiomatic that a loyal customer is many times more likely to be a source of referrals or positive word-of-mouth.

Keep Customers Connected to You and Your Brand

Direct mail and e-mail marketing will allow you to nurture your customers over time by keeping in touch on a regular and consistent basis. When implemented consistently, direct mail and e-mail marketing can be an important component in leveraging customer relationships. Youll enjoy improved retention, and create loyalty to your brand.

Its All about Communication

How do you get repeat business and earn customer loyalty and referrals? Take a lesson from businesses that long ago grasped the dynamics and importance of building customer relationships through on-going communication. They nurture their customer base over time by keeping in touch on a regular basis ensuring that their business remains top of mind.

Creating and Keeping Lifelong Customers is the Goal:

Of course you wont keep all of your customers for life any more than you can win at Bingo every time. You can be assured however, that if you consistently and properly implement a keep in touch program, over time it can have a very positive impact on the growth of your business and the brand as a whole.

So what are you waiting for?

Word Power! Are You Ready to Use the Power of Persuasive Copy to Ignite Your Profits? Hank Rosen is an award winning direct-response copywriter/marketing consultant. You can reach him by e-mail: hankwrites@gmail.com, or visit: http://www.hankwrites.com/