Increase Customer Loyalty With A Personal Touch

Show customers you appreciate their support by incorporating a personal touch into your interactions with them. Include a customized note on a sales receipt or invoice or hand out a branded item such as a pen, notepad or other small item. You could also create a special promotion for repeat customers or throw in a complementary service when your customers come back to you for more (either for free or at a discount). A small token makes your customers feel appreciated and more connected to you and your business.

Source:  http://www.manta.com/

ABI Index Positive For The Fifth Straight Month

Positive conditions persist for Architectural Billings Index

Greatest demand for commercial building projects

The commercial sector continues to lead the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) which has remained in positive territory for the fifth consecutive month.  Click here for details

Source:  AIA

Quote Of The Week

"Some succeed because they are destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to." - Henry Van Dyke

The Difference Between Good Companies And Great Companies

What is the difference between good companies and great companies?

How can you turn apathy into passion...

Satisfied customers into "raving fans?"
Click here

When Product Problems Arise, Don't Lose Customers

Business Tip of the Day:

When a product or service problem rears its ugly head, don't sweep it under the rug. Instead, be up front with your customers by taking these three steps:

1.	Proactively tell your customers about the problem, the root cause and the plan to correct it.
2.	Actively listen to your customers concerns.
3.	Don't repeat the mistake.

Being forthcoming with bad news is difficult, but your customers will appreciate your honest approach and will likely remain loyal.

Source:  http://www.manta.com/

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Quote Of The Week

"It doesn't matter where you've been, it only matters where you're going." - Brian Tracy

Deliver On Your Commitments

When working with your customers, whether new or returning, be sure that when you make commitments you can deliver on them. There is no faster way to lose customers than making promises that you cannot keep. This is true whether you are quoting a price on a project, offering to have a product delivered on a certain day or stating project specifications. Say what you are going to do and do what you say.

Source:  http://www.manta.com/

Industry Sees Recovery Ahead After Four Years Of Gloom

The market recession has severely tested the confidence of the normally optimistic construction industry. Four years of struggling markets have taken a toll. However, the slow-but-steady recovery of the U.S. economy has many firms in the industry now believing that the worst is behind them and that a broad recovery is poised to begin.

The recovery of the industry’s optimism can be seen in the most recent ENR Construction Industry Confidence Index survey. The first-quarter 2012 CICI rose to 58 on a scale of 100, up 16 points from 42 in the last quarter. (A CICI rating of 50 would represent a stable market.) The 464 executives of large construction and design firms responding to the survey believe the market has stabilized and is beginning to show signs of recovery.

The CICI measures executive sentiment about the current market as well as projections for where it will be in the next three to six months and over a 12- to 18-month period. The index is based on responses to surveys sent out to more than 3,000 U.S. firms on ENR’s lists of the leading contractors, subcontractors and design firms. The latest results are based on a survey conducted from Feb. 22 to March 12.  Read more



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Quote Of The Week

"None of us is as smart as all of us." - Ken Blanchard

All Business Is Not Good Business

While your product or service may be beneficial to the vast majority, not every client is worth the effort. A business filled with clients who are consistently looking for a "better deal" – or are otherwise causing you to lose sleep at night – is a clear sign that it’s time to redefine your target market. Start by creating a list of characteristics of your best customers and then research how best to reach them with your company message.

Source:  http://www.manta.com/

Motivate Your Employees - Give Praise

It's no secret that praise for a job well done is a great motivator. In fact, lack of recognition is consistently among the tops reasons employees leave their job. So how do you give good praise? Follow these three tips:

1.	Be specific with the praise. For example: "Great job on that ROI report. I appreciate how thorough it was and that you sent it a day early."
2.	Be genuine – employees can spot it when you're not being authentic
3.	Give praise immediately after the work is done; don't save it for your weekly meeting. Source:  http://www.manta.com/

Quote Of The Week

  "See everything.  Overlook a great deal.  Improve a little."  - Pope John Paul XXIII

Spice Up Your Email: Add Video

Video can take your email campaign to the next level. Adding a video into your email is the perfect way to engage your customers with helpful, useful content. It's easy to incorporate a video, just add a screenshot of the video and link to the full video on your website or YouTube site. You'll have a more engaging email and a dynamic way to showcase your products or services.

Source:  http://www.manta.com/

Stand Out: Send A Spring Thank You

Customers often expect cards and gifts during the winter holidays, when your message is just one of dozens they receive. But they won't expect a note sent off-season, such as in Spring or Summer. So go ahead, send a Thank You when they least expect it and you'll truly stand out!

Source:  http://www.manta.com/