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By: Kathy Kent Toney, Chief Advisor, AI & Advanced Systems at Kent Solutions There’s something a little bittersweet about writing a final blog post. When I started blogging in May 2019, I didn’t fully know where it would lead. I simply knew I had things I wanted to share — ideas about business, customer relationships, better systems, and practical improvements that help people work smarter and serve others well. Over time, this blog became a place for me to share what I was learning and what I was seeing in the real world. It became a place to talk about CRMs, automation, follow-up, AI, workflow improvements, and the very human side of running a business well. And for that, I’m deeply grateful. If you’ve spent time here reading what I’ve written over the years, thank you. Truly. I never take it lightly when someone gives their time and attention to something I’ve created. There are always a hundred other things competing for that attention, and I’ve always appreciated the people who chose to spend even a few minutes here. This blog has been an important part of my journey. It gave me a place to think out loud, test ideas, share what was working, and, hopefully, encourage business owners and leaders who were trying to build something meaningful without drowning in manual work, missed follow-ups, or disconnected systems. But sometimes growth means more than just adding new things. Sometimes it means getting clearer about where different kinds of content belong. That’s where I am now. My work has expanded, but one thing has not changed: I still care deeply about helping people simplify operations, improve follow-up, make better decisions, and use technology in ways that feel practical, thoughtful, and genuinely helpful. Going forward, I’ll be continuing that work through two distinct publications. If you’re looking for practical small business guidance — including automation, follow-up, CRM use, and ways to make your business run more smoothly without losing the human touch — the SMB Automation Brief is the best place to stay connected. If you’re more interested in broader leadership and technology topics — including emerging technology, execution, risk, and business value — the Enterprise Technology Leadership Brief will be the better fit. Both are designed to provide focused, useful content for different needs, and you can choose the one that fits you best using the buttons below. So while this blog is coming to a close, the work itself is not going away. It’s simply moving into clearer, more intentional homes. Thank you again for being part of this chapter. Thank you for reading. Thank you for supporting my work. Thank you for allowing my words a place to land. I’m grateful for the journey, and I hope you’ll stay connected for what comes next. Please choose your selection below to keep my content coming your way!
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By: Kathy Kent Toney, Chief AI Strategist & Founder, Kent Solutions Think about it: you work hard to win a new customer, but what happens after the contract is signed or the purchase is complete? For too many businesses, the answer is silence. And silence is expensive. Research from Bain & Company shows that increasing customer retention by just 5% can boost profits anywhere from 25% to 95%. The good news? Retention doesn't require big, flashy loyalty programs. What customers really want is simple: to feel remembered, supported, and seen. With the proper retention workflows, you can deliver those small but meaningful touches at scale, and turn "one-time buyers" into long-term advocates. Here are seven workflows that make it happen: 1. Onboarding That Feels Personal First impressions matter. A warm welcome email, tailored next steps based on what they purchased, and a quick check-in during week one can set the tone. Personalized onboarding reassures customers that they made the right choice. 2. Proactive Support Check-Ins Don't wait for issues to surface. Take control of your customer relationships by scheduling automated "How's it going?" messages at key milestones like 30 or 60 days. A small gesture of attentiveness can prevent churn before it begins, putting you in the driver's seat. 3. Renewal & Subscription Reminders That Add Value Reminders shouldn't feel like bills. Instead, they should remind customers of the ongoing value they receive. Frame renewals around the benefits customers continue to receive, not just deadlines. One-click renewal links remove friction and make staying loyal the easiest choice, showing customers how much they mean to you. 4. Feedback Loops That Show You're Listening Surveys conducted after onboarding, purchases, or support calls demonstrate that customers' opinions matter. The key? Close the loop by acting on feedback or simply thanking them. Customers notice when their voice leads to real improvements. 5. Recognition & Milestone Celebrations Customers love to be recognized. Automate birthday greetings, purchase anniversaries, or milestone rewards. These thoughtful touches say, you're more than a transaction. 6. Education & Value-Add Drip Campaigns Retention grows when customers succeed with your product. Short, timely tips and resources build confidence while positioning you as a trusted partner. Value between purchases keeps your brand top of mind. 7. Re-Engagement Workflows for At-Risk Customers When engagement drops, don't let them drift away. Trigger "We miss you" messages with helpful content or a small offer. Escalate if needed — because saving a customer costs less than finding a new one. The Long-Term Impact of Retention Workflows Each workflow above — onboarding, check-ins, renewals, feedback, recognition, education, and re-engagement — works together to make customers feel seen. Over time, this consistency builds loyalty, referrals, and stability. Retention isn't accidental; it's intentional. # # # If you're ready to build workflows that keep customers close, sign up for my 5-Day AI-Powered Business Boost Challenge. Over five days, you'll learn how to:
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