Customers

Great Customer Service Leads to Profit

Ask any store owner and I’ll bet they will tell you that they work hard to insure that their store provides good customer service. That’s as it should be. But here’s the problem: In today’s competitive arena good customer service is simply not enough. It is not a point of differentiation because everybody expects it and rightfully so. It seems to me that customer service has fallen to the wayside.  It’s so hard to get a phone call returned, a sales clerk to help you, a smile from a cashier.  This is one area of business operations that can easily be improved – and needs to be! Here are five ideas to elevate good to great: Make sure your entire staff knows what you expect. I know, this seems like an elementary point, but you’ll be surprised the number of stores that I work with in which the staff had …more

What Do You Charge Your Customers?

The prices you charge for your products (or services) greatly affects your company’s growth, and ultimately profit. Pricing impacts your image – it will lure some customers to your business and drive others away.  Pricing is inter-dependent on several factors: Your Market – not only geographically, but also product type …more

You Are What You Say, Everyday

I just met my 20+ competitors on the StartupBusMiami.  We’ve all gathered for the adventure which has officially begun. As I anticipated, being with this group of intelligent, creative thinkers is going to test my own expertise and abilities.  At this point the competition is friendly as we mingle and …more

The “W” Questions of a Prospect

Do you remember the “W” Questions?  I’m talking about the Who-What-Which-Where-When-Why Questions.  Those basic questions from elementary school… I want you to ask yourself these “W” Questions about your Prospects or Customers.  The questions help you know your customers and their buying habits.  The more answers you have the greater …more

How to Get More Customers

The first step to getting new customers, is to understand why your current customers buy from you. Take a few moments and ask them why they spend money at your business.  Find out why you are better than the competition.  Why do they choose you? It’s really easy to make …more

The Two Cent Candy

Today, I have to tell you about finding profit from “Two Cent Candy”. I just read an excerpt from Tom Peters’ new book – The Little Big Things: 163 Ways to Pursue EXCELLENCE – due in stores next week. His books and teachings have changed big business and many ideas …more

4 Ways to Increase Profits

Here are four ideas that can lead to increased profits.  Each one of these ideas could be a detailed post, but I wanted to give you a quick, high-level list of things to consider for your business. Honestly consider your recent practices in these areas.  We tend to do well …more

Secrets of the Biggest Selling Launch

First, I have to admit I am not in the Apple tribe – never owned a Mac and probably never will.  As I watched the recent iPad launch, I wondered if it would be successful given our tough economy and a market full of tech gizmos. As it turns out, …more