Four Steps to Help You Set a New Standard of Excellence
Recently, a woman called a plumber because it was time to replace her hot water heater. She called at 11 a.m. to make an appointment. She was surprised that the plumber could come and finish the job that same day. The next day, a strange noise was coming from the furnace. The woman placed another call and the problem was solved again, that same day. The furnace and the plumbing companies are owned by the same person. Wouldn’t it be great if this level of service was standard? Unfortunately many businesses offer poor client service, and as a...
read moreAre Trade Shows Worth the Investment for Small Businesses?
Many people who are running a one-man show or small business believe that exhibiting at a trade show is out of their league for a number of reasons that are usually financial. Large companies have large marketing departments with large budgets so many small companies feel they can’t compete, or they just can’t afford a trade show booth in the fist place. Some just don’t know how to design, transport, and assemble a booth or how to work a trade show. Renting space on the trade show floor can be expensive, but even if you’re just...
read moreSetting SMART Business Goals
Business goals are the items that a business aims to complete / achieve during a certain period of time. To run a business successfully, you need to know where you’re headed. Setting goals helps you determine your way forward and ensures that you stay on the right path. If you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, you just end up wandering around in the dark. The primary objective of any business is profitability, but there are many factors that affect a company’s prosperity and it’s important to set both long- and short-term...
read moreDealing with Difficult Customers
When you’re running a business, you come across all types of difficult customers. Sometimes they’re upset about the quality of the product or service they’ve received. Other times they’re looking for a way to get something for nothing, and want to take full advantage of any kindness you might be willing to share. If you’re providing a legitimate, quality product or service, most customers are as pleasant and respectful to you as you are to them. Hopefully it doesn’t happen often, but if you’re in business for long enough,...
read moreHow to Build a Strong Business through Good Follow Up
Most businesses invest a lot of time and effort into bringing in prospective customers, winning their confidence, and closing the sale. However, many businesses neglect a vital opportunity to establish a long-term, profitable relationship with satisfied customers through after-sales follow up. Keeping existing customers happy is even more crucial than attracting new customers, because it’s more cost effective to nurture an existing relationship that to convert a new prospect. So how do you make your existing customers feel loved and...
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