Phoenix's Biztalk posts

Is Customer Service a Sliding Scale?

What is our responsibility to customers and potential customers? Do we provide less customer service for some customers then others? Does the idea that we can choose our own customers mean that we only chose those that are simple, easy and do not ask much of us? Does being an Indie professional mean we give superior support or just enough to get by? Does the quality of service you provide change if you are busy or should it be seamless and the same?

I bring up these questions because I think we are in a state of crisis when it comes to customer service. I find more and more business people I deal with don’t return calls or e-mails within a timely manner if at all. The level of support for their product is inconsistent; see my latest blog “Customer Service Should Be A Priority!” And promises given are never fulfilled or excuses are made. I guess I’m old fashion and think that the customer should be made to feel number one and I should give them 150% service with a smile. I don’t believe customers want to hear why I couldn’t deliver or that I am too busy. They just want the service: consistent, reliable, timely, and chock full of quality.

What do you believe?

Do you work with or refer friends? Should they mix?

Here is a discussion I am interested in. Do you work with or refer your friends for business purposes?

Some people feel that you should not mix business with friendship. So can you or should you expect referrals from your friends?

I was raised that the greatest compliment is to refer your friends and that the best business lead is from a referral.

What do you think?

Are you surviving?

So we are all entrepreneurs, we love making our own decisions and charting our future.

One question, are you surviving? Are you making ends meet or are you struggling to make money? Are you getting referrals from the Biznik crowd?

I'm just curious about where everyone is with this and I think money and our struggles should be an open, honest and authentic discussion to really add to our Biznik community thought process. If some aren't doing as well as they would like how can we help them?

Thoughts? Tell me where you are at and how it's going?