Balancing Customer Service and Self-Service

Our world seems to be getting more automated by the day, and so it’s natural that many small businesses find themselves grappling with the balance between providing hands-on customer service and offering the convenience of self-service options. Customers’ expectations continue to evolve with the times, with many placing a high…
VIEW FULL POST

When the Fight’s Not Worth It

Many business owners and managers have fallen into the trap of believing that every customer is worth fighting for. The age-old adage that tells us the customer is always right has convinced many of us that we need to bend over backwards to satisfy every person who comes through the…
VIEW FULL POST

Soothing the Burn of Rising Prices

Price increases are a constant challenge for both businesses and consumers alike. Inflation, supply-chain frustrations, and even rising minimum wages have all contributed to higher costs for everyone. These complications affect everything, both upstream and down, leaving many customers feeling like they’re being taken advantage of. However, with some thoughtful…
VIEW FULL POST

Peloton Interactive: A Case Study

One of the most important assets any company enjoys is its reputation, both in the way it is perceived by consumers and by how it is seen by potential employees. A bad reputation is hard to shake off, as memory for the mistakes seems to last longer than for the…
VIEW FULL POST

Crush Frustration with Efficiency

In a recent blog titled Simplify the Complicated (Part Three), customer-experience expert Shep Hyken discusses the importance of businesses simplifying their sales and customer services processes for improved productivity. He quotes Einstein, saying, “Genius is making complex ideas simple, not making simple ideas complex.” Hyken essentially challenge us to find…
VIEW FULL POST

Boost Your Business with Generosity

The customer experience is the key differentiator that separates businesses that enjoy years of sustained growth and success, and all the rest. Savvy business owners and managers know that in order to create great customer experiences, their businesses must offer memorable ones. One highly effective, if often overlooked, strategy is…
VIEW FULL POST

How to Avoid the Common Customer Service Mistakes Small Businesses Make

Customer service is a cornerstone for all successful businesses, but it is especially critical for small companies where every individual customer matters. Despite this fact, many small businesses fall into common traps that damage their reputation and, ultimately, their bottom lines. Let’s talk about these mistakes and consider actionable advice…
VIEW FULL POST

Train for Success: Use Mystery Shopping for Leadership Development

Strong leadership is the cornerstone of any successful small business. Effective leadership drives both company growth and fosters a positive work environment, as it sets the tone for providing an exceptional customer experience through example. When leaders prioritize customer satisfaction, their actions resonate through the company and provide the right…
VIEW FULL POST

A Day in the Life of a Mystery Shopper for The Brandt Group

Ever wonder what’s it like being a mystery shopper? Have you ever wondered what the nitty-gritty details are of a job that combines the thrill of being on a secret mission with the meticulous nature of detailed reporting are? What, specifically, does The Brandt Group expect of its shoppers? Responsibilities…
VIEW FULL POST