- What do I need to do to provide good online customer service? —
Great list of the basics you need to establish in providing quality online customer service. However, If you truly want to "wow" your customers, you’ll need to go beyond these basics. - 5 business lessons from Costco —
Costco is incredibly efficient in serving customers and providing well for its employees. Costco’s success is directly linked to the principles and philosophy discussed in this article. What can your business learn from them? - The human side of marketing, or, Capitalizing on your mistakes —
Turn a mistake into an opportunity to show your company isn’t just a big machine. Add the personal touch and you can let customers know you really care about them.
Weekend Reading – June 30th
- The Holy Crap Reaction to Competition —
When you spot another company in your market that seems to be doing exactly what you’re doing, don’t panic! Focus on your strengths and core goals and press ahead. (Thanks Demetrius for the link) - Seth’s Blog: Three humps and a stick (on pricing) —
Seth Godin shares his ideas of how companies can price their products. He makes the interesting point that most businesses are only comfortable with one type of pricing. To be successful, you’ll need to dip into different pricing areas. - But What Do I Write On My Business Blog? —
John’s post talks about how he comes up with ideas for his blog. The principles are applicable to how you can see the business lessons and relevance of everyday occurrences to your life. - How Online and Offline Have Fused into a Single Dialog (and Why Marketers Should Follow Suit) —
Excellent article expanding the Conquer the Chasm Between Online and Local Stores post I made earlier. You can’t keep your online and offline business separate. Customers need a unified and consistent experience across all touch points with your company.
Weekend Reading – May 12th
I found these great posts in Problogger’s Top 5 Group Writing Project:
- Top 5 Internet Marketing Mistakes —
You should never make a change unless you can measure the result. How else will you know if it was successful? If you market on the web, this is a good list of things to remember. - Top Five Keys to Successful Persuasive Writing —
Your writing and communication to customers will have be persuasive to stand out in the crowd. Your copy writing must not only grab someone’s attention, but also compel them to action. - Entrepreneurs Developing Web Sites Must Address These Top 5 Potential Pitfalls —
Sound advice for starting up your web site. A mistake here will cost you customers. - The Top 5 Questions – to spark new marketing ideas —
Asking questions is a wonderful way to rethink your current status quo. Matt offers 5 gems.
Weekend Reading – April 28th
- Jack Hightower of CarMax —
Service Untitled has a great two part interview with CarMax’s VP of Sales. I’ve had two wonderful experiences in buying cars at CarMax and will probably buy my future vehicles from them as well. This interview gives some great insights into CarMax’s secrets to success. - On Service: The Power of Empathy —
When you really understand a customer’s complaint you can more easily diffuse difficult situations. Seek first to understand, and then take the complaint or suggestion without an immediate rejection. Your empathetic ear will communicate your sincere desire to help the customer.
Weekend Reading – April 21st
- Do you want customers? —
Why do businesses ignore prospective customers? You may be too busy today but what about next month when you really need the business? Responding positively to prospects builds both long term loyalty and a potential referral source. - CEO as Customer Evangelist —
Imagine the difference to your customers if your CEO and other decision makers are advocates for the customer. - How not to pitch a blogger —
The most effective pitches I’ve received as a blogger are not cut-and-paste emails but rather those that have personal messages attached where the sender obviously read and is commenting on something I’ve written.