Here are five ways to be a "resource provider" when working with your existing customers.

5. Think bigger.
Do your clients have other needs that you don't currently fill? Consider investing in some research and development to precisely match a need that you know needs filling. This may be a new kind of widget or gadget, or a better type of system, or a new piece of software. If your customers know what they need, find a way to help them achieve that. Think from the big picture (what's needed?) and then fill in the details (how do we do it?).

4. Take advantage of technology.
Provide a way for customers to access the information they need online.
Is there a log-in section you need to offer on your website?
Is there an uploads section you'd like to give to your important clients?
Is there boilerplate text that you may post?
Is there a Frequently-Asked Questions section that will benefit your customers?
If so, add these items to your web and print materials.

If your customers may find the information they need online, you free up your human staff to innovate and problem-solve.

3. Incentivize!
What options, gifts, or opportunities will you give your customers? I'm sure there are ways for you to make your current products and services even more valuable: find them and offer them to your clients. When you shop, you like "buy one, get one free." What do you offer to customers so they feel like what they're buying is a great deal?

2. Innovate!
What type of stumbling blocks are you identifying in your current business process?
Is there technology to help overcome this?
Do you need different people to address current issues?
Find a way to use your company's skills and internal knowledge to provide even more efficient and effective customer service.

1. Diversify.
Your customers benefit from the unique perspectives your team offers: when you mix it up a little and add diverse people's viewpoints to your group, you find even more ways to provide an extra level of service. Better service makes a big difference to your happy customer.

When you find ways to provide value to your customers, they'll choose you, time and time again, over any other company out there.