I would cheat on you if I were your customer

If I were your customer, I would cheat on you.

That’s right—I'd be out there, swiping right on your competition, looking for someone who actually listens to my needs. I wouldn’t do it out of spite. It’s just that you made it easy. When the promises fade, the check-ins become robotic, and my concerns get lost in the shuffle, you’ve practically handed me a reason to look elsewhere.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Imagine a relationship where your customers can’t imagine leaving you. Where they feel genuinely valued and know that you’re always one step ahead, ready to meet their needs before they even voice them. Picture the loyalty, the referrals, the glowing testimonials. This isn't just some fantasy—it’s entirely within your reach.

But this requires more than just good intentions. It demands consistency, communication, and a little bit of tough love. The good news is you’ve already got the tools, you need to use them properly.

Ready to make sure your customers never think about cheating on you? Let’s get started.

Stop Acting Like We’re Still in the Honeymoon Phase

Remember those early days? When you rolled out the red carpet, wooed me with promises of success, and made me feel like I mattered? I was hooked. But now, I can’t help but notice how things have changed. The sparkle’s gone, and I’m starting to feel like you’ve moved on, just when I need you the most.

The honeymoon phase is over, but that doesn’t mean the relationship should go stale. If anything, this is when the real work begins. When you lose that early enthusiasm, I start noticing the little things: the missed follow-ups, the generic check-ins, and the lack of new ideas, insights, and tailored advice.

Customers aren’t fooled by grand gestures at the start; we’re looking for a partner who’s in it for the long haul. Why should I stay if you’re not showing up, consistently adding value month after month?

✅ What You Can Do About It:

• From the start, be honest about what you can deliver, and then actually deliver it. Don’t promise the world if you can’t keep it up.
• Don’t let the excitement fade after the first few months. Keep the momentum going by staying engaged and continually bringing fresh insights and tailored strategies that evolve with my business.
• My business isn’t static, and your support shouldn’t be either. Stay curious, ask good questions, and find out how my needs are changing so you can keep up.
• Keep up with industry trends and bring them to my attention. Share relevant trends, research, or case studies to help me make better business decisions. Be the first to bring new ideas to the table. Show me that you’re proactive in helping me navigate the changing landscape.

I’m seeking a partner who understands that the real work begins after the honeymoon phase. Keep the same energy and attention to detail you had initially, and show me you’re committed for the long haul. If you start coasting, I’ll notice—and so will someone else who's ready to give me the ongoing support I need.

Don’t Make Me Feel Like a Number

It’s easy to tell when someone’s just going through the motions. I can sense it when our touchpoints feel like a box-ticking exercise or when I only hear from you when my renewal is coming up. This all makes me wonder if you even remember who I am or what my business is about.

It’s like those friends who only call when they need something—after a while, you start screening their calls. And when I feel like just another number, I start looking for someone who treats me like I matter.

What I need is real engagement: personalized, consistent, and meaningful. Show me that you understand my unique challenges and that you’re here to help me overcome them, not just collect my renewal at the end of the year.

✅ What You Can Do About It:

• Schedule check-ins that matter. Regularly share meaningful insights, strategic advice, and relevant updates that show you’re invested in our success.
• Don’t wait for me to reach out with a problem. Anticipate my needs based on what you know about my business, and come to me with ideas and suggestions before I even know I need them.
• I didn’t come to you for generic solutions. I need you to understand my specific challenges and track progress toward my objectives, not just hit your internal KPIs.
• Use the data you have to tailor our conversations. Reference past issues, mention specific challenges and goals, and offer relevant solutions to my business. Show me you’re listening.

When you combine consistent engagement with personalized attention, I feel valued. And when I feel valued, I won’t even think about looking elsewhere. Treat me like a partner, not just a number, and I’ll stay loyal to you.

Bring Your A-Game & Deliver What You Promised

Promises are easy. Anyone can talk a big game when the deal is fresh, and everyone’s excited. But what happens when the rubber meets the road? When the deadlines pile up, issues arise, and actual work needs to be done. That’s when I discover whether you’re a partner I can rely on or someone I regret trusting.

When I chose to partner with you, I expected measurable value. I don’t need vague reassurances; I need to know that the time and money I’ve invested are paying off. Show me the numbers, data, and proof that we’re moving in the right direction. If you can’t, what are we even doing here?

✅ What You Can Do About It:

• Don’t leave me guessing. Keep me updated with metrics that matter to my business—efficiency gains, cost savings, or growth in key areas. I want to see your value, not just hear about it.
• Don’t just agree with everything I say—push me to think differently, consider new approaches, and explore untapped opportunities. A true partner isn’t afraid to challenge my thinking to find a better way.
• Don’t wait for me to ask for a progress report. Schedule regular reviews to discuss what’s working, what’s not, and what adjustments we need to make. Show me you’re committed to long-term success, not just short-term wins.

I’m looking for a partner who’s as committed to my long-term success as I am. Bring your A-game consistently, and you won’t have to worry about me looking e

Communicate: It’s Not That Difficult

If I have to chase you down for answers, we have a serious problem. Communication shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth. It should be clear, timely, and straightforward. Yet, somehow, it often turns into a frustrating game of hide and seek. When you go silent, I start filling in the gaps on my own. Trust me, that’s not a good thing.

Whether it’s a bug that’s taking longer to fix than expected, a feature I’m dying to have that isn’t on the roadmap, or an unexpected cost for a configuration change, I want to know what’s really going on.

Even bad news is better than no news. I can handle the truth. As much as I hate bad news, I respect honesty. And the sooner you give it to me, the sooner we can figure out a solution together.

What I can’t handle is being left in the dark, wondering what’s going on, and feeling like I’m not important enough to deserve an update. And anyways, trust isn’t just built on success; it’s built on how you handle challenging situations.

✅ What You Can Do About It:

• Don’t wait for me to ask what’s going on. Keep me in the loop with regular updates, even if it’s just to say, “Hey, we’re still working on it.”
• If there’s a delay, limitation, or unexpected cost, tell me immediately. Don’t wait for me to find out the hard way, let me know right away. I’d rather know what’s going wrong than be blindsided later. Transparency builds trust, even when the news isn’t great.
• When delivering bad news, explain the “why” behind it. Whether it’s about priorities, resources, or technical constraints, help me understand the situation so I can adjust my expectations. Don’t rely on your account manager to give bad news.
• After delivering the news, be ready with potential solutions or alternatives. Show that you’re committed to finding a way forward, even if it’s not the outcome I hoped for.

Good communication and transparency is the foundation of any strong relationship. When you’re open, honest, and easy to reach, you reassure me that you’re on top of things—and that makes it a lot easier for me to stick around. Don’t make me chase you; stay connected, and we’ll both be happier for it.

Don’t Make It All About You

You know what really grinds my gears? When our conversations revolve around what you need, what you want, and how I can help you hit your targets. You might not spell it out directly, but I can tell. Listen, I’m not here to make your job easier. I’m here because I need a partner who’s focused on my success, not just their own.

It’s painfully obvious when our interactions are more about you than me. Maybe it’s the constant upsell attempts, or how you seem more concerned with your company’s KPIs than with helping me solve my actual problems. Whatever it is, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth—and makes me wonder if you’re really in this for the long haul.

If you’re only interested in what you can get out of this relationship, it’s not going to last. I need to know that you’re committed to my goals and milestones and genuinely invested in helping me achieve them. If I feel like you’re just using me to meet your quotas, I’ll find someone else who actually puts my needs first.

✅ What You Can Do About It:

• Start every conversation by asking about my challenges and how you can help. Make it clear that my success is your top priority, not just an afterthought.
• Don’t push products or services I don’t need. Instead, listen to my issues and offer solutions that genuinely help, even if they don’t directly benefit your bottom line.
• Sometimes, that means giving more than you get. Offer valuable insights, resources, or advice without expecting something in return. When you show that you’re invested in my success, I’ll be more invested in staying loyal to you.

Remember, this relationship isn’t just about hitting your targets—it’s about helping me hit mine. When you prioritize my needs and focus on my success, you’ll naturally achieve yours. But if you make it all about you, don’t be surprised when I start looking for someone who puts me first.

Make the Breakup Hard, For the Right Reasons

Here’s a scenario: I’ve decided to leave, and you’re practically handing me the exit papers with a smile. It’s like you’re saying, “Thanks for the time, see you never.” If parting ways is easy, painless, and free of resistance, it tells me one thing—you didn’t care enough to fight for me. And that stings.

But let’s get something straight: I’m not saying you should make it difficult for me out of spite. What I’m saying is that if the time comes for us to part ways, you should make it clear that I’m going to miss out on something valuable. I want to feel a twinge of regret, not because the process is hard, but because I know I’m walking away from a relationship that actually mattered.

A good breakup—yes, there is such a thing—should leave me wondering if I made the right choice. It should make me think twice, reflect on all the value you brought to the table, and question whether the grass is really greener on the other side. If I leave with a sense of loss, you’ve done something right.

✅ What You Can Do About It:

• If I decide to leave, don’t burn bridges. Make the offboarding process smooth, but also remind me of the value I’m giving up. Leave the door open for future opportunities.
• Provide something valuable on my way out—a report, an insight, or a tip that shows you’re still thinking about my success, even as I go. It leaves a lasting positive impression.
• Use the opportunity to gather honest feedback. Ask what could have been done differently and what might bring me back in the future. This not only shows that you care but also gives you insights to improve.
• Don’t shut the door completely: leave it open with a sense of possibility and goodwill. Who knows, our paths might cross again, and I might just find my way back—or at least recommend you to someone else.

The goal is to make me feel like I’m leaving something significant behind. When the door is left ajar with goodwill and a sense of loss on my part, there’s a much higher chance that I’ll come back—or at the very least, remember you fondly. So, if we’re going to break up, make sure it’s one I’ll regret (in a good way).

Your Wake-Up Call

Let’s face it: If I were your customer, I would cheat on you—unless you start paying attention. Customers today have options, and loyalty isn’t something you can take for granted. It’s something you earn, day in and day out.

I don’t want to cheat; I want to stay in a relationship that feels valuable, meaningful, and mutually beneficial. But if you’re not showing up, someone else will.

✅ Practical Next Steps:

• Take a hard look at how you’re engaging with your customers. Are you consistent, personalized, and proactive?
• Create a strategy for regular, meaningful interactions that add value, not just touchpoints.
• Make sure every interaction aims to help your customers achieve their long-term goals, not just their short-term metrics.
• If a customer is considering leaving, don’t shy away—engage them, understand their reasons, and see if there’s a way to rebuild the relationship.

At the end of the day, customer loyalty isn’t about locking people in; it’s about making sure they never want to leave. So, show up, do the work, deliver consistent results that matter to your customers, and make it impossible for them to imagine doing business with anyone else.