Be the best cheese burger you can be.

I'm fairly certain, just like me, that all of us have a favorite place to go to when we have a craving for a cheese burger, or maybe a sit-down meal. Some places we wouldn't even consider.

I know that my wife only likes to shop at a particular grocery store and will drive out of her way to go there.

And, like many shoppers I have certain stores that I'll go to, and others that I'll avoid. You see signs of customer loyalty everywhere.

Automobiles stand out in mind as one of the commodities that some consumers seem prepared to fight over. You've seen those bumper stickers that put down one brand, while praising their own qualities.

So where does this customer loyalty come from? Is it all value driven, or is there more to it than just value?

Actually, I think it's a combination of many factors that brings me back to the same vendor time-and-time again. Price has something to do with it, but quality, service, and how my business is appreciated are key factors when it comes to retaining me as a customer.

As a real estate broker, you too are a business that won't survive unless you have repeat business.

If you find yourself always searching for new business, instead of enjoying the benefits of repeat and/or referral business, then you need to take a hard look at what you're offering your customers.

If you don't deliver on your promise, if your business model changes on an hourly basis, and if you fail to thank your clients for their business - you'll find it difficult to survive in this industry.