Question

Building Strong Relationships with Customers
Let’s face it. If you’re trying to build a business, you aren’t going to make it very
far without having customers providing that business with revenue. That’s why creating
strong relationships with your customers is so critical to your business’s success.
Of course, to have a strong relationship with your customer, it helps to start that
relationship off on a strong foot. One of the best ways to do that is by setting clear
expectations on what the customer can expect from you. Talk through your process with
them and establish firm deadlines on when you’ll be able to provide deliverables to
them. You must also make clear what you will need from the customer. If their feedback
or input is needed at any point during the process, let them know up front, as well as
what the repercussions to the project will be if you don’t receive that feedback in a
timely manner.
As with personal relationships, customer relationships require clear
communication. Set up regular times to meet with your customer, either in person, over
phone, or via video. Use your meetings to inform your customer on how your work is
progressing, making them aware of any challenges you might be encountering and what
your plans are for overcoming these difficulties. This will help your customers know that
they are in good hands.
Finally, try to approach your customers with kindness and respect. Remember,
they’re people too. Try to treat them as you would want to be treated if you were in their
position.
By taking the time to nurture your relationships with your customers, you help lay
the foundation for a future of repeat business.

Which is the best summary of paragraph 3?
A)
B)
C)
Customer relationships are like friendships. It's important to get together
with your customers.
Clear communication with customers is important. Using meetings to keep
your customers informed will inspire their confidence in you.
Always let your customers know if you are having a problem and explain
how you plan to solve it.
D) Meetings are the best way to keep customers up to date.

Answer 1

C

Option C best captures the paragraph’s main points: likening customer ties to personal relationships, stressing clear communication, recommending regular meetings, and advising you to tell customers about problems and your plans to solve them.