To create customer relationships, and keep them strong, you must do all you can to engage customers.As a key to any good relationship, communication is an essential way to build customer relationships. Promoting your business and listening to your customers are equally important. Rather than just telling customers about your business, have conversations with them. Find out what your customers need, then show them that you have a solution to their problem. If you have employees, teach them how to effectively communicate with customers. Instead of waiting for customer service to become a problem, foster communication skills with customers while onboarding new employees. Maintain an employee policy, requiring timely follow-up, to make sure the customer’s needs are met. Make sure your staff returns voicemail messages and emails promptly.