Tips from October 19, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss what to plan for when training new employees.
Instructors: Have someone who's qualified and engaging do your training; they'll give good information and if they're engaging they'll hopefully be a memorable speaker.
Materials: Have books, tools, pens and paper ready in advance. Make it so that trainees only have to worry about subject matter!
Space: Choose a space that is quiet, comfortable, and promotes learning. Try a conference room or extra office.
Timing: Outline who is talking when about what materials. Include breaks and time for a Q&A session.
Daily Overview: The success of training new employees really revolves around how prepared you are. Plan ahead!
By Cheryl Sowa · October 21 2009
small business tips, small business, training, employees
Government, Politics, and the Economy
Retail Sales Rebound Into Xmas as Shares Show Consumer Not Dead From the recent spike in sales, it's beginning to look a lot like the retail holiday season will be happier than predicted. Bloomberg.comManagement and OperationsWhy Unemployed College Grads Should Channel Their Inner Entrepreneur Recent college graduates who are unemployed should think about taking to their entrepreneurial skills and start their own business. BusinessKnowHow.comManagement and Operations
By Cheryl Sowa · October 20 2009
small business brief, online, retail, customer service
Tips from October 16, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss training your employees to provide exceptional customer service.
Every employee is a representative of your business. Give them reasons to respect your brand, business, & customers.
Go over situations that could arise; get feedback from experienced employees. Show your customers you're ready for anything.
Employees that know all situations can help customers immediately instead of asking management. Be knowledgeable.
After an unusual situation occurs, talk to employees about how to handle the situation in case it happens again.
Daily Overview: Proper employee training will give your business an edge on providing exceptional customer service.
By Kim Fenolio · October 16 2009
small business tips, small business, customer service, training
Tips from October 15, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss how to go the extra mile.
Be helpful even if you get nothing out of it. Assist, give advice & (gasp) talk about other businesses.
Follow through with a customer. Guide them, ask if they have questions, & do all that you can to help.
Offer something extra. Future coupons, freebies, small samples, or discounts help provide that extra service.
Make exceptions for the customer if they have problems; offer a discount or rebate offer for future services.
Daily Overview: Doing more than expected gives your business benefits and provides extra customer service.
By Kim Fenolio · October 15 2009
small business tips, small business, discounts, tips
Tips from October 14, 2009 The Small Business tips today will talk about how turning to social media will improve customer service.
Twitter allows for up to the minute updates for openings, new products, sales, and limited time offers.
Customers talk about experiences on Twitter: provide exceptional service and personalize to get great buzz.
Use Twitter to build up your small businesses by retweeting testimonials & customer satisfaction stories.
Build a community of customers with a Facebook Fan page. Ask for feedback & give new Fans coupons.
Daily Overview: Social media is an excellent way to keep up in real time and positivity about your biz.
By Cheryl Sowa · October 14 2009
small business tips, small business, customer service, social media
Great customer service has become much more important to businesses with the popularity and increased influence that the internet now has. The internet provides an instant outlet for customers to rant or rave about a specific product, service, or business. Though not just for consumers, the internet has made providing customer service a lot easier for a business. So, what do you need to be aware of when coupling the internet with your customer service? What kind of options should you be looking for? How exactly can you provide customer service? Let's take a look.
Accessibility 24/7/365 - At the very least you should have a website that has your business name and information on it. What you must keep in mind is that this then puts your business out there for consumers to access any time and any day of the year. Make sure you have a phone number, address, and hours of operation on your homepage in a place that all visitors can see. This wa...
By Cheryl Sowa · October 14 2009
small business, internet, customer service, social media
Tips from October 12, 2009 The Small Business tips today are about building customer loyalty.
Communicate with your customers to see what they need/want. Exceed their expectations to make them come back.
Offer coupons and incentives for customers on their next purchase to ensure they return to your business.
Create a customer loyalty program. After so many purchases, offer a freebie. Offer rewards for referrals to your business.
Personalize! Get to know your customers. It will bring them back to your biz because you know them.
Daily Overview: Creating a loyal customer brings people back to your store, constantly increasing your business.
By Cheryl Sowa · October 13 2009
small business tips, small business, customer service, customer loyalty
Government, Politics, and the Economy
U.S. Chain Sales up 0.1 Percent in September Chain sales increased in the United States for the first time in 14 months, according to ICSC. ManageSmarter.comManagement and OperationsDealing With Demanding Customers We all experience it, customers who are over-demanding. Figure out how to deal with these customers and still show respect. BusinessKnowHow.com Management and Operations
By Cheryl Sowa · October 13 2009
small business brief, sba, recovery, business
