Experts offer advice on building customer relationships during a recession.

Strong customer service is one key to retaining customers and growing a small business.

Building new relationships and retaining loyal customers in the long-term is plausible despite tough economic times, many experts say.

A recent Financial Post article highlights tips from industry software provider Smart Online on how to survive this challenging environment.

Having a social networking presence is one way to communicate with customers. It is also an avenue to gather feedback and make new contacts.

The article reminds businesses that a personal touch - meeting customers face-to-face or tailoring products to meet individual needs - speaks volumes to consumers.

Also, be available. Answering phones may seem like a simple tip, but support and knowledge from a company representative is likely to resonate well with customers.

Smart Online also tells the news source that small businesses should keep customers in-the-know with steady communication - perhaps in the form of a blog or newsletter.

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