Customers of today are dialed in 24/7. Because sales, service, and marketing processes are transforming to meet this connected world, it’s easier than ever before for small businesses to compete for customer attention.

Read on for a list of nine ways you can use modern tools to put customers first and, at the same time, effectively grow your business:

1. Adjust your thinking

Embrace the mantra, “the customer is in charge,” if you haven’t already. Then shift the focus of your business to put your customers’ needs, wants, and desires front and center.

2. Get social

Most of your current and potential customers are using social media. Make sure your company’s products and services are connected to that world. A customer platform in the cloud can manage this for you by linking sales, marketing, products, and more together to directly connect to your target audience socially.

3. Be a good listener

Understand where people learn about and engage in discussions about your business and industry. Get a system in place to monitor social media, communities, and news sites to hear what they say, and then reflect this in your marketing endeavors.

4. Hit the "campaign trail"

Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter will let you create efficient campaigns to target your message to the right people (based on needs, demographics, geography, and more).

5. Be engaging

Create and promote content on social media, in marketing materials, and on your web site via a company blog, that your customers and audience want to read.

6. Respond in real-time

Today’s customers participate in multiple channels and are eager to ask questions. The sooner they get answers, the happier they are. Be responsive no matter where they are.

7. Be an app master

Quickly build and deploy apps that engage and impress customers. The Salesforce1 Platform allows you to accomplish this faster by providing back-end infrastructure, so you can focus on creative solutions.

8. Unlock back office data

Marry the critical info in your back office systems – order status, inventory counts, billing – with your front office sales, service, and marketing activities, so your team is better equipped to serve customers.

9. Cultivate brand advocates

Existing customers are a great source of info for potential customers. Provide these advocates with a voice on social media and, in turn, give prospects confidence in your company and community.

Discover other tips that can help you grow and scale your business today.