Never Underestimate the Value of Small Business

Today's post was inspired by a brief Twitter chat. I logged onto Twitter this morning and noticed this question from Social Media guru @chrisbrogan:

Chris Brogan ‏ @chrisbrogan

Why do people who choose their business and customers choose to serve clients with little/no money?

While it was hard to decipher the context behind this question, I felt compelled to answer with:

Baskets by Bonnie ‏ @basketsbybonnie

@chrisbrogan clients with little/no money can be a valid market if your business can be the best at filling their needs.

To which Chris responded:

Chris Brogan ‏ @chrisbrogan

@basketsbybonnie - er, um, but if they don't have much money, how do you survive?

My two-tweet answer:

Baskets by Bonnie ‏ @basketsbybonnie

@chrisbrogan It is possible to be profitable serving low-budget clients if you can effectively serve large numbers.

@chrisbrogan Also some clients can start small but over time become big. It depends on your business model. Don't under estimate small.

My visceral reaction to this question was as a small business owner. I remembered a situation with a vendor when I was just starting out in my business and I required extra time and expertise from my sales representative. Initially she was very helpful and then suddenly stopped communications. When I finally got hold of my sales rep, she apologized and explained her situation.

Apparently my sales person was told by the owner of the company to not waste any more time with me. Her boss had written me off as a bad prospect. She also confessed that she was not happy with her managers and was leaving soon for another job. As a result, I ended the relationship.I found a better company to replace this vendor. 

A few years later, as my business had grown, I was approached by a new sales person from my old vendor. There was nothing they could say to get me back as a customer. I have continued to do business with the better vendor for over 18 years.

There are rewards to providing your customers with great service, no matter what their size. In addition to becoming a good source for Testimonials, they tend to grow on with you!

My Funny Valentine

We aim to please and love when we get nice feedback from our customers. The following is a response from a new client that wanted to surprise (and embarrass) her boyfriend at work.

Thanks Bonnie! This looks great! He absolutely loved it and was rather embarrassed by the whole thing. haha!!

I will be using your services again and let my friends know about your company.

Thanks again for being so accommodating.

 We love our work and emails like this make it all the more rewarding. Keep those cards and emails coming!

Fuel for the Engine!

A glowing review is the force that keeps the people building the business, and helps us help you. Great feedback is pure gold! We jump for joy receiving feedback with comments like "The basket was PERFECT!" or "EXCELLENT JOB!" It's a real motivator to know we're doing a good job, and when one good review comes right after another, we put the gears into overdrive.



Kickin' it into OVERDRIVE!

Just last week, these two precious pieces of feedback came within 5 minutes of each other.

"Thanks Bonnie.....The basket was PERFECT! She loved it. One of the other girls in the office saw the wine and said "OH MY GOSH, I love Moscato" Katie is very excited. You did an EXCELLENT JOB!

Thank you again.
Cindy"


And shortly after...

"Hi Bonnie, I heard the basket was beautiful! Thank you so much for putting it together so quickly, I really appreciate it. I will hold onto your contact information and look forward to working with you again.

Thank you again,
Gina"

It's been an exhilarating week, and we're finally coming off our high. We're ready for a refuel!

Small Business: Saving the economy...one job at a time.

There's a growing trend to support small business. Consumers are finding it much more fulfilling to shop at a local Mom & Pop's store rather than a "Big-Box" retailer. People nowadays are looking for appreciation as well as service. They enjoy feeling welcomed and comfortable in an environment that satisfies their need. Sometimes, a listening ear and a caring embrace is worth more than that extra little "Rollback."

The Importance of Feedback

It's a real motivator to know we're doing a good job, and it fuels the fire to put the gears into overdrive. Positive reinforcement is a fantastic way to show your gratitude! Whereas Feedback fuels the customer service engine, telling others drives the economic engine. Word-of-Mouth promotion is critical to the success of small business.

Magnet from Ann Taintor, Inc. 2x2 - $4.95

The more places your voice is heard, the greater the likelihood your favorite corner store will be there when you need them. Aside from telling your friends, another way to show your support is by sharing your experience on Google Places, Yelp, Twitter, and many others by writing a review. You have the power to save the economy...one review at a time!