You already probably know that the abundance of customers or the lack of them can make or break your business. If you do not communicate properly with them, you will probably not be selling much.However, with the abundance of communication tools available today; one would be silly not to make total use of them.

Customers expect greater access to you and your business and are always on the lookout for businesses that offer them this constant connectivity. Out of curiosity, they want to pull up your Facebook pages, your Twitter streams, or your company blog to learn more about you and to freely ask the questions that are in their minds. Companies that make it easy for their customers to communicate with them flourish, while others dry up.

It’s time to get close and personal with your audience. Start talking, but more importantly, start listening! Start conversations to see what your customers really want from your business.

Here are that can be used to keep the channels of communication open at all times:

1. Facebook – It’s the world’s favorite social networking site and therefore, is sure to draw customers. It’s easier to explain products visually, so using Facebook to post photos and videos is a good idea. End users can go there to show their own photos and post testimonials about the product, which will make prospects feel like they are going to be making the correct decision by investing.

2. Twitter – Closely following in the footsteps of Facebook is another social networking site-Twitter. One of the best ways for small businesses to connect with their customers is to collect email addresses from customers/clients, and invite them to connect with you on Twitter. Twitter seems to be better for business to business communication, although the length of the information to be shared must be measured carefully.

3. F.A.Qs – When people sign up for a newsletter they should be given the privilege of being allowed to ask questions and getting the answer replied to.

4. Email – Another communication channel coming into full use now is e-mail. E-mail is a very personal activity for people – so, if you can engage them in a meaningful conversation through this channel, you will often see great results.However, since emails are all about the written word they have to be captivating enough to get the attention of the prospect from the first line itself.

5. Surveys – Make talking to your customers a simple thing by conducting surveys. In the form of questions one can easily chat up potential customers as well as find out how satisfied existing customers are with the products/services offered.

6. An Attractive Blog Section – Blogs when used by a particular business allows them to share tips, news, and the latest updates. It enables us to address questions and comments, endorse press related to the company, and reveal a more personal side. This makes customers feel like they have made an actual connection with the people behind the product.

7. Skype Calls – These calls are very effective in making customers feel closer to the business. No longer do they feel the distance as face-to-face interaction makes them feel closer to the business.

8. Chat – Chat is another form of effective and 24/7 communication that businessmen can have with customers. Since customers can get answers to their questions at any time of the day via chat, they come to look upon the business as trustworthy.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with your customers. They’re waiting for you to initiate communication and use it as a means to build a lasting relationship.

Kian Manning is a financial consultant at a leading outbound call centre. He believes that keeping the channels of communication open at all times brings customers closer to the business organization.