This is from my post on Small Business Trends. It’s hard enough to compete with big-box retailers without paying big-box prices for the things that make your brick-and-mortar run smoothly. But 14the great thing about being a small retail business is that you’re more nimble and able to experiment with more affordable products and services. [...]

Posted in Customer Service and Loyalty, Marketing No Comments »

This is from my post on Small Business Trends. For many of us who work as consultants, writers, contractors or other project-based entrepreneurs, having the ability to estimate what a project will cost is a necessary skill to have, but a difficult one to master. While some projects are cut and dry (i.e. “I’ll write [...]

Posted in Customer Service and Loyalty, Entrepreneurship 1 Comment »

This is from my post on BizLaunch. If you’re a business owner, you may realize that managing staff and running a business aren’t the same thing. While you may be great at balancing the books and bringing in new business, you may be lacking people skills that make you a good boss. If that’s the [...]

Posted in Customer Service and Loyalty, Entrepreneurship No Comments »

This is from my post on FutureSimple. If you’re just starting your company in 2012, you may wonder how you possibly can get new customers and start to build relationships with them to grow your business. Unfortunately, there’s no secret to overnight sales. You’ll have to start at square one. However, these tips will help [...]

Posted in Customer Service and Loyalty No Comments »

In addition to sending your customers gifts and cards this time of year, now’s a great time to show your appreciation via email. Campaigner sent me these suggestions for opportunities to show your customers that you care: Trigger #1 Sign up – Thank new subscribers to your list by using an email template that includes information about [...]

Posted in Customer Service and Loyalty, Holiday Marketing No Comments »

I was scrubbing a pot the other day, using for the first time a Chore Boy scrubber. I’d been unsuccessful at getting my pots cleaned with scouring pads or brushes, so I was a bit weary of the whole category of pot cleaning. But then… The scrubber worked. It just worked. And I thought, “I’m [...]

Posted in Customer Service and Loyalty No Comments »

This is from my post on GrowthUniversity. If it was up to you, every day would be Customer Appreciation Day, right? If you don’t have time (or resources) to show your customers how much you care year ’round, use the holidays to show a little appreciation and engage new prospects. Everyone’s in such a merry [...]

Posted in Customer Service and Loyalty No Comments »

I didn’t know this, but it’s Customer Service week right now. Apparently, it’s been around since 1992 when President Bush I proclaimed it so. I think it’s a bit silly to focus on customer service one week of the year (although this explains so much about so many companies!) when it should be an everyday [...]

Posted in Announcements, Customer Service and Loyalty No Comments »