Are you courting your customers?

The courting process is an important aspect to most living things.

Therefore, it should be no surprise that the same engagement principles apply to customers. The thrill of being pursued by a would-be suitor and the emotions associated with hope of finding true meaning in a relationship is exhilarating.

In the animal kingdom it’s not unusual for some species to go to extreme lengths to attract and seduce a mate. Most fascinating, to me, are the peculiar and often spectacular rituals conducted by birds.

Many different species of birds display a complex set of rituals that precede the mating process. The courtship behaviours of birds are naturally instinctive. Some rituals are elaborate and serve to form a bond between the potential mates.

The male hummingbird lifts his feathers and moves from side to side making a shrill sound. He moves rapidly in front of his potential mate and makes aerial dives.

Flamingos mate with more than one partner and call to potential mates to let them know of their interest. Depending upon how many mates a flamingo is interested in he could end up with his own harem. And will no doubt have his wings full!

Bowerbirds have one of the most elaborate courtship rituals of all species. They go to extraordinary lengths to build structures that they use to try and attract females. They even decorate the structures with flowers, pebbles and other items they find.

Each species of bird has a unique courtship ritual which may consist of dancing, singing, building, flying and even feeding a potential mate. Birds are also known to give gifts to win over a potential partner, such as food or trinkets they’ve rummaged to find.

How many of your clients can sincerely testify you went to creative and thoughtful lengths to court them to win their hearts and minds?

In my own business, I send client’s chocolates and flowers to show my appreciation for their business. I regularly take them out to lunch and sporting events. I’ve been known on occasion to drop in unannounced on their birthday armed with mud cake. I enjoy doing it, so it’s win/win.

Charming customers, much like a bird’s success in seducing a mate, is vital to your survival. Spend time periodically thinking about and then implementing new ways of engaging and then asserting more meaning in your relationships with them.

Take a leaf from the Bowerbirds’ book and I guarantee your customers will dig it, and they may even find you irresistible.

Excerpts from: About Bird Courtship, eHow.com, Darlene Zagata.

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Trent Leyshan is the founder and CEO of BOOM Sales! a leading sales training and sales development specialist. He is also the creator of The NAKED Salesman, BOOMOLOGY! RetroService, and the Empathy Selling Process.