Do Small Businesses Offer the Best Customer Service?

Everyone is familiar with the phrase “customer service.” We all have an idea of what good customer service entails, and we have all experienced our share of bad customer service in the past. Most business owners realize that customer service (or lack thereof) can either make or break their business; therefore, business owners are now focusing their efforts on building policies and practices that give their customers the best service possible.

Small businesses have an edge over large businesses because of the relationships they are able to build with their customers. According to the Small Business Success Index, an ongoing study conducted by Network Solutions, LLC, and the University of Maryland’s Robert H.  Smith School of Business, “Customer service is an area where small businesses feel that they excel.” While most large businesses have customer bases that number into the thousands and beyond, small businesses usually have only a fraction of that. This gives small businesses an advantage when it comes to serving their customers and building customer loyalty. Since large businesses have such a high number of customers, they are often unable to cater to each customer’s individual needs. While it isn’t always possible, small businesses are more likely to be able to “bend” to meet their customers’ demands during special situations without compromising their business’s well being. Customers who frequent small businesses and receive this type of treatment are more likely to feel that their patronage is appreciated. They also feel confident that should any problems arise, the situation will be handed swiftly and respectfully. This combination results in lasting customer loyalty.

Small businesses can’t always offer the cheapest prices or the largest product selection. What they can offer, however, is unparalleled customer service. We would like to hear your thoughts on small businesses and their customer service. Do you notice a difference in customer service between small businesses and their larger counterparts? Do you prefer one over the other because of this reason? As a business owner, what have you done to ensure that your customers receive the best treatment?

*The Small Business Success Index, an ongoing measurement of the overall health of U.S. small businesses, was commissioned by Network Solutions, LLC and the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. To take the survey yourself, click here.

Create Win-Win Situations with Contracts

Over at Small Business Trends™, Diane Helbig recently posted an article that explores the reasons small business owners should consider implementing contracts into their business procedures. “Death by Contract—Or Lack Thereof” discusses the ways in which setting up a contract can help a business and its clients get the most out of their relationships. Helbig also illustrates the benefits of setting up a contract between a business and its employees. It’s a good read for all business owners, but owners of small businesses that provide a service to their clients should especially take a look.

For more information on how client and employee contracts can help your business, visit MySolutionSpot™ and browse our selection of articles on business operations and procedures.

A Little Positive Thinking Goes a Long Way

In tough times, it is good to remind yourself that things could be worse. The following article, written by Rhonda Adam, explains how small business owners can improve their business simply by showing a little appreciation: http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/abrams/2009-02-06-all-you-need-is-love_N.htm

Get Involved with Social Media in 2009

One resolution all business owners should make for 2009 is “Get involved with social media.” No matter your industry and no matter your business’s size, involvement in social media gives your business the potential to find a new level of success. I recently came across a helpful blog post over at Mashable.com that lists some of the best social media articles from 2008. “HOW TO 2008: How To Do Almost Anything With Social Media” is a great resource for social-media newbies and veterans alike. With links to articles that span a comprehensive list of topics, this blog post can help those who are just getting started in social media, as well as those who are already involved yet want to expand their social media presence. As we bid farewell to 2008 and welcome 2009, resolve to make social media part of your business plan in 2009.

Give Your Business the Gift of Social Media

Christmas is just a few short days away; have you decided what to give your business yet? If not, here’s an idea: Give your small business the gift of social media. Utilizing social media is predicted to be one of the biggest business trends of 2009, and for many reasons. Todd Malicoat, the brains behind the blog StuntDubl.com, explains why now is the time to get yourself acquainted with the different aspects of social media in his recent blog post, “9 Reasons You Need Social Media Marketing in 2009.” Todd provides great insight into the world of social media, including why it’s important to get involved with social media sooner than later.

Once you’ve learned a little more about how social media works and why you need it, start getting involved! Social networks, like LinkedIn®, Facebook®, and MySolutionSpot^TM are great places to start. Give your business the gift that gives back by introducing it to the world of social media.

Why Forum Participation Is More Important Than You Think

Many business owners do not realize the importance of participating in online forums. This post shares an article which outlines the value of forum participation.

Can Your Business Get Too Big?

The answer to that question is yes. Expanding your business typically requires a rise in your employee count, as well as a larger or additional facility. Consequently, as your business earnings grow, you will spend more on salaries, benefits, office supplies, furniture, equipment, overhead costs and operating costs. In addition, your administrative responsibilities will be amplified. Sometimes, if these changes are too drastic, they can negatively impact your bottom line and your ability to meet your goals.

Numerous business owners opt to remain small to avoid the headaches caused by growth. Keeping your business small does not necessarily mean that you are preventing it from succeeding. There are many cost-effective alternatives to hiring more people. Business resources like MySolutionSpot™ help you stay current on the latest business tools, equipment and processes that can help you maintain efficiency, enhance profitability and keep your employees happy – all while keeping your expenses low.

MySolutionSpot™ Makes It Easy for Small Business Owners to Connect

Small businesses make up the greater part of all U.S. business population. However, they face some of the toughest challenges. For that reason, many small business owners have begun to work together to help each other excel in their industries and overcome unnecessary challenges.

MySolutionSpot™ makes it easy for small business owners to connect. We present them with a platform where they can easily introduce themselves and converse with other business owners from across the country.

Currently, MySolutionSpot members can:

• Receive valuable business advice from industry experts.
• Use their expertise to provide business advice.
• Cultivate new partnerships.
• Build industry presence.

However, since MySolutionSpot is still in its beta phase, we have encouraged all of our members to provide us with their feedback. All suggestions and comments will be considered and will strongly influence our end product.