Whatever happened to the golden rule, being polite and saying, “thank you?” When it comes down to it, don’t we all want to be treated like our best interests are at heart? Think of this in terms of communication with your customers. Being open, honest and genuine can make all the difference.

A quote from Gary Vaynerchuck, author of The Thank You Economy, is one I frequently consider:

“At its core, social media requires that business leaders start thinking like small-town shop owners.”

I’m sure many of us have grown up going to the local doughnut or coffee shop where everyone knows your name. Customers feel welcomed and are valued as an integral part of the shop’s success. It’s possible to create this same customer-focused culture using your social media strategy.

Start by going back to the basics with less talking and more listening. Create posts based less on what your company needs and more of what your customers want. Think of your social media platforms as a community instead of a means to sell products or services. And of course, saying “thank you” every now and then might be a good idea.

The result? Your customers might start to trust you and consider sharing their thoughts. They could become loyal to your brand and serve as advocates. They might even go as far as to give you a compliment online for the whole world to see.

But first, try getting back to the basics and show compassion for your customers.

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