How Do You Treat Your “Super Patrons”? – Guest Post by Ryan Snethen

There is a question everyone in business for themselves should consider: “How do I treat my Super Patrons?”

What is a Super Patron? The “Super Patron” is the model customer, someone who not only values your product or service; they don’t only religiously visit your blog, website, store or place of business. The Super Patron sees the true value in what you have to offer and appreciates it so much that they promote you and your business to their family and friends. They go to serious trouble to be sure that the people around them at least try your goods or services for themselves.

Unfortunately, because the Super Patron is so rare, they can sometimes be lost in the shuffle, being seen as simply a “good customer”. There is an easy way to tell a good customer from a Super Patron. A good customer comes to you when they need something. Once their needs are satisfied, “thank yous” are exchanged and until next time, communication is severed.

A Super Patron does more. They introduce you to those close to them and most likely, show their gratitude in some way: they give you referrals. They pass on information that could be of value to you and your business. Even small thank you gifts or cards, while rare, are not unheard of.

Of course, in business, there are plenty of fakes, people looking to butter you up in exchange for a discount or a freebie. After all, sincerity is easy enough to fake . . . for a while, but time separates truth from fiction. A true Super Patron has been a loyal customer for quite some time, most likely years.

And how do you reward years of loyal patronage? Truth be told, a Super Patron deserves a measure of extra time and attention. They have proven themselves to you and it is only fair to show them that they truly do matter. Your business would not thrive were it not for their support. So, give their orders priority. Take their calls personally instead of leaving it to an assistant. Make no mistake, these little things are noticed.

Is there a Super Patron that stands out in your mind? Someone that has really gone the extra mile for you and your business? Do more than offer a slight discount on their next order. While this is appreciated, it is still somewhat self-serving. No, do something unexpected. Surprise them. You would be surprised to see how far a bottle of their favorite wine or a gift card to their favorite restaurant can go. And while it is your goal to simply show them that you appreciate their business, they will not be able to resist telling their friends what you did for them. This promotion is not your reward. It is simply a byproduct of good business.

Ryan Snethen is the brains behind the blog at DidYouMissIt.com, a blog dedicated to providing quality reviews of movie gems you may have missed.  Let him know what you think about the “Super Patron” concept in the comments below, and be sure to check out his blog for some great movie suggestions.