| The success or failure every business is directly | | | | Managing the customer relationship from the supplier |
| dependent upon the customer base it serves. Crappy | | | | side is critical to knowing when, where and how the |
| customer relationship management could equal failure. | | | | customer demands will be met. As they co-exist on |
| Small business is especially susceptible to customer | | | | the dance floor, each one thrives from the |
| demand and the bonds established with their clients. | | | | movements of the other. If either partner stumbles, |
| Larger companies will eventually falter, but it may | | | | the other feels the effect and may trip as well. |
| take longer depending upon the breadth and depth | | | | There is a popular saying among business |
| of their market share. | | | | professionals, "It is easier to keep a customer, than |
| Managing the customer relationship is like a dancing | | | | to find a new one". Managing customer demands is a |
| the Tango. Each partner depends on the other to | | | | delicate balance of support, communication and long |
| look good and effectively working together to | | | | term relationship building to ensure both partners are |
| accomplish a goal. As one turns and twists, the other | | | | working together. |
| must understand the direction and ensure they are | | | | If either one decides the relationship is not working, |
| there to catch the other when needed. | | | | the supplier is usually the one left alone on the dance |
| The relationship can be fragile at first, as each side | | | | floor. Customers can find your competition easier |
| learns the demands and needs of the other. The | | | | than you can find clients. This is why each businesses |
| customer will lead by plotting the course of their | | | | should incorporate a customer relationship |
| business and depending on the supplier to be there | | | | management definition into their culture and |
| with the goods and services they need at that time. | | | | organization for long term success. |