Eighteen Holes Of Golf

Most golfers will think that starting the day with eighteen holes of golf under their belt should be a very invigorating experience. A small golf course like this though can cause a person to have a bad start on a workday if the golf score does not match up to the expectations that the golfer had when they woke up that morning. Some people use those 18-hole golf scores to judge how lucky they are on any given day and some do not feel lucky enough so they play another round of golf just to be sure. Some... Read more »

The Realities About Bad Credit Debt Consolidation

You have seen those ads on TV. Companies specializing in bad credit debt consolidation. These companies claim that they can help you consolidate your debt in spite of your bad credit, no matter how much debt you have or how far behind you are. Yep, they claim to have the magic answers to your financial problems. After they’re done with you, you’ll be left with, “just one easy monthly payment!” There are some companies who legitimately want to help people with bad credit consolidate... Read more »

5 Quick And Easy Steps For Dealing With Nasty Customers

You don’t have to be marketing online for long before you declare at least once that all of your customers are “morons!” In corner number one we have the disgruntled customer that is going to sue you over a $17 product. In corner number two we have the customer who insists you are a scam artist and is determined to see you brought to justice (this is my personal favorite). It doesn’t happen often, but if you’re going to be in business for yourself, you will run across... Read more »

Customer and Employee Loyalty: How Do You Rate?

The average company loses half their customers in 5 years and half their employees in 4 years(*1) This has significant impact to overall customer, employee, investor and supplier loyalty. Loyalty is the degree to which these groups are loyal to your product, service and organization. In today’s market, being customer focused is a key to survival and longevity. High levels of loyalty have positive impact on customer satisfaction, profitability, and reputation. Happy employees work harder, produce... Read more »

Customer Service In An Instant Gratification Age

What constitutes good customer service? Is it always being there for your customers? Is it the speed with which you respond to them? Is it making sure your customers can get their questions answered quickly and in any number of ways? To put it simply, the answer is yes. These aren’t the only aspects of a good customer service strategy, but they are definitely important ones. In the technological age, even the way we serve our customers has changed. People want information at their fingertips.... Read more »

Why People Hate Cell Phone Companies

When did cell phone companies get the idea that making things difficult for their customers was a good idea? Here are just a few examples of where they went wrong: * Having two year contracts, and extending them at every opportunity. If you have to threaten your customers to keep them from leaving, you’ve got a problem. * Sending customers outrageously large bills when they use too many minutes. Why would you want to punish the people who are using your service the most? They should automatically... Read more »

Water Damaged Cars And Why You Do Not Want One

Looking around for a used vehicle to buy either as your first car or as a replacement for your last one can be a hassle enough by itself without having to worry about whether you’re going to end up buying a lemon. You have to worry about financing, what kind of vehicle is best, and if it’s going to break down on you as soon as you get it home, but one thing that a lot of people don’t tend to think about when shopping for a new vehicle is if it has ever been completely submerged... Read more »

Isn’t That What Customer Service is All About?

Last week I went to a local pharmacy to have a prescription filled. As I approached the prescription counter I noticed a sign beside the cash register that said, ” Let’s Talk.” Considering it an invitation I said in a friendly, cheery voice, ” OK let’s talk.” and proceeded to say ” How are you today?” The woman waiting on me was not amused. She looked at me in frigid, non-responsive silence and finally said cooly, ” Can I help you?”... Read more »

How to Make Your Business Thrive in the 21st Century

The following story is related to my particular business field, but you will see how it relates to all businesses. After location, marketing, and a business plan, our customer service is what keeps repeat business coming back for more. If you don’t value your repeat business, your competition will. If you have a strong customer service staff, good ethical standards, and a mission statement based upon helping the community, you will see your competition send customers to you. They don’t... Read more »

Are You Resentful of Your Clients?

That might sound like a strange question, but hear me out. You may have a case of Client Resentment Disease. If you are not being paid what you deserve, you will feel resentful each time a client does something - even a little “off” - like miss a deadline, not return your call, asks you to do something “today”, is late with a check, etc. It happens. Service-based business owners are the primary target. Why? You love what you do. You’ve gone into business - to do... Read more »