Good Customer Service Will Go A Long Way

Too many entrepreneurs and start-up developers are focused on creating “the next big thing”. Too many are trying to get a big pay check from some venture capital firm, or are hoping to get purchased for a huge amount by Google (a la Youtube).

Basically too many businessmen are playing the lottery and not enough are working towards developing good sustainable businesses, growing good ideas and providing value to customers while turning a profit.  There is nothing intrinsically wrong in playing the lottery but I don’t think this is a very constructive approach, both on an individual level and on a market level.

One of the elements that can turn a good business into a growing success is good customer service. Yes just good old customer service – not fancy website features or a “we’re a big company” attitude. I know countless small businesses who try to look big – and the way they do it is by placing barriers between themselves and their customers. How about doing the opposite? If you’re small – be proud of it! Be extra friendly and personal with your clients. That’s how you can get an edge over bigger competitors and that’s how you can grow your business organically. You’ll also have a better time doing what you do – which means, among other things, that you’ll do it better.

My wife recently told me about a great experience she had with a company called EC Wear. The owner of the company is very friendly and personal, and she built a great niche business that she runs from her home. We are more than happy to buy from EC Wear, not only because we had good experiences with the company as customers, but also knowing that this is someone’s own business that is built on something simple and real – the fact that someone has good products to offer and that there are some people who are looking for this kind of products!

I think the market needs many more good businesses that respond to a need, provide good value for customers and have a more personable approach. Many entrepreneurs will have a much more enjoyable life building something real, something they believe in beyond just aiming for funding or a big paycheck. A business that will keep growing sustainably over time.