By Karen Mapstone of Eclipse Marketing

Concerns about global financial instability and the troubles of banks in France and the UK have shaken consumer confidence throughout the financial services industry.

In difficult times, CRM strategies assume an even greater importance. Effective marketing and CRM techniques can go a long way towards counteracting negative consumer perceptions, and providing customers with the services they want and need.

This means treating customers as individuals, making them feel valued and delivering a better all-round customer experience which will inspire loyalty, reduce churn and help rebuild confidence.