The second time a customer buys, inform her that she is now entitled to regular discounts, a free newsletter, or a free product. Keep a database of return customers and send out birthday cards and thank-you notes after purchases. Most return clients say it is the follow-up they receive that keeps them coming back. It also makes sense to reward your staff or sales people for making special efforts to attract and keep return customers. Give bigger commissions when return customers place a purchase.
Some people are naturals in a crowd.
They seem to be able to strike up a conversation, remember names, always get their key points covered, and never feel like hiding behind the fern in the corner. Most of us have a bit more trouble. Connecting with the right business contacts in a crowd of strangers can be an intimidating task. It helps to have a few strategies to follow to get the networking ball rolling. Practice describing your business in two sentences.