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Customer service is that awkward thing that few companies really do right.  And it is the least expensive thing any company can do to build customer loyalty, it is the best and most cost effective advertising, but why do companies spend so little time training and managing the customer service skills of their staff.  “We believe that when we are doing business with a company, that company should have our interests in mind not the bottom line. Keeping our customers thrilled so that they want to do business with us again and even more than that they want to tell their friends about how great the experience was is an elusive goal” says Dave Fuller.  Below is an excerpt and a link to the full article.
- - Thanks, Neal Odom


The keys you forgot to customer service
By Dave Fuller 

So what are the keys to customer service that many businesses have forgotten while the good times were rolling?

1. Customers want to be served by people that like people and do their job.
2. Grow a backbone and keep your employees accountable.
3. Figure out how to exceed your customers' expectations.

Click to read the full article:
https://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/opinion/columnists/the-keys-you-forgot-to-customer-service-1.23944929

Most small and medium size business do not have massive budgets for marketing success.  However it's still possible to promote a small/medium size business when funds are tight, writes Rhett Power of Power Coaching and Consulting.  Consider using events to bring the buzz to you, rewarding customers with a referral program and tapping into free PR opportunities.  Below is an excerpt and a link to the full article.
- - Thanks, Neal Odom


3 Ways to Market Your Small Business on a Shoestring Budget
By Rhett Power 

In an increasingly global economy where competition is fierce and consumer loyalty is fleeting, creating demand is a top priority for most brands. But if you’re a small business with a limited marketing budget, how are you supposed to get the attention of consumers or take market share from competitors with deeper pockets?

As it turns out, there are plenty of ways to do that. Successful marketing can certainly be amplified by a big budget, but it doesn’t depend on one. The truth is that good marketing always contains one key element that entrepreneurs tend to have in abundance and many big brands wish they had more of creativity.

1. Bring the buzz to you.
In-person events bring people together and create opportunities for memorable interactions with customers.
2. Don’t go it alone.
There are probably brands in other industries that you respect and admire. Why not tell them?
3. Get your name in the press.
For companies looking to gain traction or build credibility before a funding round, PR is an essential component of marketing.

Read the full article, click - -
https://www.inc.com/rhett-power/3-ways-to-market-your-small-business-on-a-shoestring-budget.html