Category Archives: Customer relations

Reputations, referrals and let-downs

If we get a referral from a colleague or fellow business person, it is very satisfying of course, but we have to live up to the recommendation. If we run our businesses as efficiently as we can and offer a … Continue reading

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Your customers are your most valuable business assets

  More clients? The other day a local business lady said “I really need more clients”. Well, most of us would like more. However, what our friend was really saying was that she had lost quite a few recently. I … Continue reading

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Emulating and bettering the best in business

  Cyber wars There was an interesting take recently on the Apple v Samsung wars, in which accuse the other of violating their intellectual property particularly with regard to mobile or cell phones. Apple had a really big win on … Continue reading

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Do you really have a business? Part 2

Out in the country Last time I discussed the problems for a catering-type business in town, in part limited by the premises and the high rents. At least if they had proper footfall they could make money with the right … Continue reading

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Sometimes losing customers is not our fault

We have all lost patrons of our business, or, if we have only just started, we will lose customers in the future. When someone leaves us, it is always important to get feedback. Has something one wrong in our delivery? … Continue reading

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Why consistency and continuity of service is important

  Shopping for essentials As consumers, when we are out shopping we have an expectation of what we can buy. We do not like to be disappointed to find that what we want we can no longer get. At our … Continue reading

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Never assume

Once upon a time, my first job was with an international and mainly Far-Eastern bank. I wrote a nice letter of application in my best handwriting and was placed in the “Income Tax Department”. We only dealt with personal tax. … Continue reading

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The writer of letters

  The writing habit Quite a lot of my work involves writing. I write to clients, and I write to tax authorities and I write to service providers on behalf of my clients. I write articles and I write web … Continue reading

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Amateur emails addresses and unbusinesslike appearance

Starting in business we are eager to get our telephone number found and to have all lines of communication open. After all, what we need is customers, and if no one can contact us we will not get any. Right … Continue reading

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Low value clients

When you start out in business for yourself and are providing a service, there is a temptation to take on any client thinking it is all grist to the mill. Each new client will bring in a bit more money. … Continue reading

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