With social media and online reviews lending increased importance to every comment, it's imperative that businesses adopt a robust customer service strategy. Customer complaints must be met with aggressive, meaningful action, especially in the wake of a harsh public posting. Look at each ... [ Read More ]
9 Tips to Building Loyal Customers
While businesses often direct their attention on attracting new clients, strengthening their connection with existing customers is equally, or perhaps even more important. This article originally appeared on Inc.com. Return customers are the lifeblood of any business, and thanks to social ... [ Read More ]
11 Things to Do This Week to Increase Business Referrals
A glowing customer endorsement nearly always outperforms traditional paid advertising. Getting people to talk about you starts with trust. This article originally appeared on Inc.com. Word-of-mouth is one of the most important ways for a company of any size to gain new business. There's ... [ Read More ]
Ask the Etiquette Expert: Tipping Uber and Lyft Drivers
Dear Diane, I was wondering if you could help my colleague and I settle a friendly debate regarding whether or not we should tip the Uber driver. I believe tipping is the right thing to do, but he pointed out that their website clearly states “no need to tip.” Any advice? Taylor N. Dear ... [ Read More ]
Ask the Etiquette Expert: Tipping the Salon Owner
Question: I recently opened my own salon and spa and I sublease space to other stylists, massage therapists and one esthetician. My signature is the only one on the lease and I am solely responsible for making the rent and utilities each month. I previously worked at a large salon for 14 years and ... [ Read More ]
Ask the Etiquette Expert: Hotel Etiquette & Host Dilemma
I recently received a question from a Bed & Breakfast owner regarding how to handle guests who use their fresh, white wash towels to remove makeup. My response is below, but definitely something for us all to keep in mind as a B & B host or a travelling guest brushing up on hotel ... [ Read More ]
Restaurant Etiquette: 10 Things Wait Staff Can Do to Keep Customers Happy
Waiting tables may look easy, but it can be very stressful. From remembering drink orders, carrying a 20 pound tray of food, or dealing with unfriendly guests, the job can be challenging. Here are a few tips that will keep customers happy and servers on their professional toes. Tips for ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: How to Accept Criticism
Criticism is a fact of life and a powerful training tool when we understand how to put it to use. We will almost certainly receive criticism (constructive or otherwise) from a supervisor giving feedback and possibly from a client at some point in our professional career. Add social media into the ... [ Read More ]
Cursing at Work: Replacing Profanity with Professionalism
If you think that cursing at work is harmless, think again: using foul language in the office may also be harming your career. A 2012 nationwide survey by CareerBuilder found that over half of employers (57 percent) said that they’d be less likely to give someone a promotion who swears on the ... [ Read More ]
The Business of Excellent Hotel Customer Service: The Stephen F. Austin Hotel
At the risk of sounding redundant, because I have blogged about this particular topic and hotel before, when something, some place, or someone is really, really good and offers exceptional customer service, it is not only nice but necessary to acknowledge their effort. In this case, it's The Stephen ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: Refresh Your Business Skills and Tune-up Your Manners in 2013
If one of your resolutions for 2013 includes advancing your career, today’s post is for you. In fact, all of us could use a quick refresher moving boldly forward into the New Year. Here are a few tips to refresh your business skills and help you be that special person who lights up a room, leaves a ... [ Read More ]
Six Ways To Be a Better Boss
Whether you're in retail or rocket science, one of the hardest parts of any job is managing people. As a boss, your actions can create a supportive, productive work environment with high morale, or it can create a climate where finger-pointing, back-stabbing and throwing the other guy under the ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: Using Your Manners in Customer Service
I was recently checking out at a large retail store and was taken by surprise at the low level of energy and enthusiasm I encountered by the employee ringing up my hand soap and toilet paper. She never made eye contact and when I said "Good morning" she replied "Not for me". Suddenly, it was no ... [ Read More ]