How many points programs do you participate in? Too many, I am guessing. Buy x to get one free does not create loyalty.

In fact, Carol Roth calls it what it actually is: bribery.

Smart small business owners should make the extra effort to really get to know their customers. This is where small businesses can actually beat the big guys.

Making notes on customer accounts and giving a little extra personalized attention to customers can have big payoffs because as busy as people are, they still want to do business with companies they know, like, and trust.

Make the extra effort to get to know your customers and find the levers that excite and delight them. You’ll be happy you did.