Sustainability: business, life, environment

Valentine's Day is generally characterized for personal relationships and uncelebrated in the business world.  However, using it as a day to connect with customers and acknowledge your best clients is another opportunity to differentiate your company from the competition.  Basically, use Valentine's Day as a means to expand and develop great business relationships.

 
With small business resources being limited, start by taking advantage of using what you've got.   As sustainability consultants, we're always looking for ways to integrate sustainability concepts into the workplace; instead of purchasing something new, start your business Valentine's by utilizing your current email system and generate a marketing campaign.
 
Your campaign can be anything from thanking your customers for their continued loyalty, an introduction to new products or services, or an opportunity to receive valuable feedback: send polls, questions, "we're listening”.   Another idea would be to bundle a product/ service at a savings and offer it as a business Valentine's Day gift.
 
The next step in your campaign is making the customer experience more relevant.   Behind every e-mail, Tweet, and Linked-in message in our high-tech global marketplace is a human being. Pick up the phone and get to know your clients as people -not just for businesses purposes. Position your mindset to one that allows for relationships beyond networking. 
 
A final thought for business Valentine's is engagement.  Companies looking to build business sustainability should consider partnering with clients and prospects and collectively volunteering together for a common cause in the community.   Not only are you bringing eco awareness to your day, but you are also synergizing your client relationship with your prospects as well as contributing sustainably in your community. 
 
Happy business Valentine's Day to you!