My dad told me something similar to what John said a week back, Here is what he said..
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The 80:20 Rule..
While doing business, you must take care that you have good customer relationship as 20% of the customers you have will stay and give you orders and will support 80% of your income, whereas the 80% of new customers will include in only 20% of your income.
This is a universal rule, applicable even to students..
20% of the portion gives you 80% of the marks and the rest 20% gives you 80%
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(Note: The figures are just an approximate ratio to explain the significance of the rule)
The old customers act as the best powerful advertising agent (mouth advertising as they say) and is better than
ANY damn PPC in the world.
I like Google's way of sending its customers gifts along with its name embedded on it. One way to retain customers is to offer them prices at a discount and giving them tips to improve their site. NEVER ask them their budget.
Remember that 1 bad apple can rot the lot, so make sure you are doing good work all the time
