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Can Three Words In Webster's Dictionary Be The Key To Customer Loyalty?
By Sean D'Souza Are you concerned about customer loyalty? Are your customers so loyal that they will stick with you through hell and high water? And if not, you really need to question how you can create a customer relationship that’s so gluey,...

English Language Sputtering Online Like an Old Ford!
Sad, but true. Just about everywhere you look online, the English language is suffering a fate worse than death. The problem, in reality, is so widespread that it has begun to affect all aspects of the language. "But, what on Earth does this...

Five Leadership Secrets for Challenging Times
We consistently face new and ever growing challenges in the workplace such as reorganizing, downsizing, and “left out sizing.” We are faced with the question, “How do we lead in this storm of change?” It may seem difficult at times and the...

How Coaches Find Clients Online
At a recent networking meeting Jana asked for a recommendation for a public speaking coach. She was starting to speak in front of audiences, and wanted to polish her presentation skills a bit. Before anyone else got a chance to reply, Elise jumped...

Walking the L.I.N.E. of Effective Management
Published Article 2002 How to Walk the L.I.N.E of Effective Management Sheri A. Callahan, Horizon Consulting Group, LLC 803-606-3650 Keynote Addresses * Training * Performance Consulting www.onthehorizon.net Management is no easy task. As...

 
A Live Human Being

A Live Human Being
by Bob Osgoodby

Ever try to call a company for information or assistance, and have to fight your way through a seemingly unending maze of instructions from an automated robot. "For this press one; for that press two", and so on. Some companies take you several layers deep in options before you get the choice of speaking with a live human being. I understand the efficiency involved, but at what cost? Usually it is at the expense of doing business with me.

Auto-responders are also great tools, and there are a number of ways to use them to your advantage. If they're set up to provide information about specific things, they can be a great time saver. But when they are used improperly, they can do more harm than good. If I request information and receive an auto-response, fine. But don't send me the same information once a week for the next seven weeks. All you are succeeding in doing is aggravating an otherwise potential customer.

While I'm pretty tolerant about receiving unsolicited e-mail, (spam) I do find it annoying to get the same ad over and over, all sent to a different address at my domain, day after day. It is pretty obvious that the sender has software to search the web looking for e-mail addresses, and harvesting every one they could find. If you try to respond to their message, it is returned as undeliverable, and in my judgment is not an offer from a legitimate company - another customer lost.

Ever try to get a question answered at Microsoft's web site? They ask you to describe your problem, and then give you an automated answer, which may or may not solve your problem. Efficient - yes, helpful - possibly. Don't get caught up in this trap. Sometimes there is no substitute for interaction with other people.

Yes, the Internet is a vast, impersonal place. But if you are hoping to do business on the web, you have to inject the personal touch. Personalized e-mail can be a great tool in your bag of tricks. If you get a question, take a few moments and try to answer it - if you do, you will most likely gain a long term supporter, and if they're a prospect, a customer.

Another thing that many are remiss at, is thanking someone who buys their product, or becomes a customer. Now if your business produces a lot of orders, it may not be possible to send a personalized thank you note to every customer. But you can have a "canned" letter hid away in your


word processor that you can copy and paste. A little attention here goes a long way.

Many times you will receive comments or suggestions. Some may be positive and others could be negative. You should take the time to personally respond to these. Thank people for positive comments. If it is negative try to address the issue, but don't get defensive. If someone has a gripe, and takes the time to write you, take them seriously. Maybe they are simply chronic complainers, but maybe their opinion has substance. Evaluate every comment you get, and surprisingly, you just might find a flaw in your approach that you never thought of, but someone else did.

Tread carefully when someone requests a joint venture. Many times these are thinly veiled pyramids. If you sell advertising in your publication or on your website, why would someone be willing to give you a healthy percentage of their profit, in return for your running an ad for them. Personally, I get offers like this all the time, addressed to "Dear Webmaster" and you know where they wind up.

Once in awhile however, someone will have a legitimate offer, and be willing to trade off a percentage of their profit for your advertising efforts. But if you do this, remember that you are putting your reputation on the line as well. Affiliate programs do this all the time.

In the cold world of the Internet, if you expect to do business, you must use a personal approach. Most people have the same reaction to some of the automated procedures in use that I do, and really appreciate the contact with a live human being. If you do offer this type of personal service, you will have a real advantage over your competitors, who believe that you can simply automate the process, and watch the money flow in.

-----

Did you know that subscribers to Bob Osgoodby's Free Ezine the "Tip of the Day" get a Free Ad for their Business at his Web Site? Great Business and Computer Tips - Monday thru Friday. Instructions on how to place your ad are in the Newsletter. Subscribe at: http://adv-marketing.com/business/subscribe2.htm


About the Author

Did you know that subscribers to Bob Osgoodby's Free Ezine the "Tip of the Day" get a Free Ad for their Business at his Web Site? Great Business and Computer Tips - Monday thru Friday. Instructions on how to place your ad are in the Newsletter. Subscribe at: http://adv-marketing.com/business/subscribe2.htm

 

How To Conquer Public Speaking Fear
A report that covers the common causes of public speaking fear and tips to overcome it. Book available.
www.stresscure.com
 
Allyn and Bacon Public Speaking Website
A five-step guide to preparing and delivering effective speeches.
wps.ablongman.com
 
Public Speaking & Speech Writing
A free guide to speech writing and delivery for every occasion. From best man speeches to eulogies.
www.speechtips.com
 
Presentation Tips for Public Speaking
Art of Public Speaking. Hints and tips on public speaking, ... On the Job: Public Speaking Tips - Twelve Steps to Great Presentations by Elise Bauer. ...
www.aresearchguide.com
 
10 Tips for Successful Public Speaking - Toastmasters International
10 Tips For Successful Public Speaking. Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy. It shows you care about doing well. ...
www.toastmasters.org
 
Welcome to Toastmasters International where we are"Making ...
Non-profit organization developing public speaking and leadership skills through practice and feedback in local clubs since 1924. Members learn how to lead ...
www.toastmasters.org
 
Strategies to Succeed in Public Speaking - School for Champions
Contents of online lessons to succeed in public speaking from the School for Champions.
www.school-for-champions.com
 
Public Speaking Home Page
Humor and quotes to help your speech - or just for your own enjoyment. History / Careers The history of public speaking and potential career options for you ...
www.mhhe.com
 
Public speaking - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Public speaking is speaking to a group of people in a structured, deliberate manner intended to ... Public speaking is almost as ancient as speech itself. ...
en.wikipedia.org
 
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT MARTIN COUNSELING AND CAREER SERVICES
Public speaking anxiety is very common among both college students and the general ... The most common form of Social Phobia is public speaking anxiety. ...
www.utm.edu
 
Painless Public Speaking
At Painless Public Speaking we keep you up to date with what's new in the world of ... Painless Public Speaking is not about the theory but the "how-to" ...
www.publicspeaking.com.au
 
Public Speaking from Uncommon Knowledge
Public speaking couldn’t be further from your mind and your manager tells you have to do a presentation to fifty colleagues next week. What’s your response? ...
www.uncommon-knowledge.co.uk
 
Public Speaking Tips by Uncommon Knowledge
It’s possible for public speaking to be fun and hugely satisfying. Once you’ve enjoyed a presentation, or even part of it, your self confidence will get a ...
www.uncommon-knowledge.co.uk
 
Public Speaking Skills from Mind Tools - Speaking Tips & Techniques
Learn to speak and present clearly and effectively. Improve your speaking skills with this Mind Tools guide to speaking effectively in public.
www.mindtools.com
 
Public Speaking Information
Advanced Public Speaking Institute- -More than 120 mini articles on professional level ... Click here for additional articles on Public Speaking Information ...
www.selfgrowth.com
 
Basic Public Speaking, 2nd Edition - The Teachers and Students ...
New public speaking text for middle and high school Language Arts, ESL teachers and students. Written by a trained counselor and experienced teacher.
www.capital.net
 
public speaking tips - presentation skills tips, public speaking tips
presentation skills & public speaking monthly tips by Lenny Laskowski, Professional Speaker.
www.ljlseminars.com
 
Public Speaking - The Art of Speech Making
Public Speaking - Hints and tips on Public Speaking Skills, dealing with public speaking nerves and anxiety, public speaking skills and public speaking ...
www.impactfactory.com
 
Advanced Public Speaking Institute
Public speaking articles, seminars, and educational materials.
www.public-speaking.org
 
Public Speaking Training-Presentation Skills & Public Speaking courses
Public speaking training - Overcome your fear of public speaking with our presentation skills classes. We offer presentation skills training seminars, ...
www.publicspeakingskills.com
 
 

 

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