During a recent catch-up and coffee session at our neighborhood Starbucks with a good friend who is also a local business woman, and too many stories to tell each other of the delusional people we've had to deal with lately, we both have come to the conclusion that the missing link in many businesses today is customer service and customer satisfaction. We don't necessarily believe that "the customer is always right", but we have undoubtedly seen what seems to be that many businesses have all but abandoned that old-fashioned notion of caring customer service.
In attempting to grow this business, it has been necessary for me to reach out to other business people for their services for everything from real estate leasing, to business utilities, to graphic design. The way I look at it, is that I need them, but they also need me. Far too often it seems that business people seem to forget that they not only need to provide a service, but they need to build a positive relationship so that their customers will continue to call on them and even refer others to them. It reminds me of a quote from Mahatma Gandhi:
My point is... you could have the greatest product in the world, and it's worthless to someone if you give them bad service. They will surely take their business elsewhere, and then every time someone mentions the type of work you do, they will surely recant their bad experience with you.
I've had several unsavory experiences lately where business owners lost me as a loyal customer on the first encounter before they even gave me the chance to be loyal. With that being said, I just felt it important to remind myself and anyone reading this to always remember that your customer is your greatest asset, so be responsive, courteous, and flexible to exceed their expectations. They will thank you with their business as well as the business of others they've referred.
As for my customers, I am thankful for each and every one of you.
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