Every social media and e-marketing “how-to” includes the admonition to respond to customer input promptly. Rightly so. Promptness is critical but so is the content of the response.

Social Media for Small Businesses: It’s About The Bottom Line

by Geri Stengel on Aug 9, 2011 - 9:32am

customer service How To No Bullshit Social Media small business marketing social media marketing

Yes, we all know that social media are about conversation and engagement. But how does that conversation get translated into profit for small businesses?

10 Social Media Habits To Boost Your Business

by Geri Stengel on Jul 28, 2011 - 12:19am

customer service social enterprise social entrepreneur Social Entrepreneurship Social Media social media sustainability

Yes, you can grow a business without damaging the planet or the people who live on it. From a start-up in 2006 to a presence in 30,000 stores worldwide, Yes To is a success story by any measure. And its values, as explained on its Facebook page, could come straight from “Social Enterprise 101,” if there were such a handbook:

a portion of all proceeds has been dedicated to a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization
sustainability in products, partners, and the lives of the company and the people who work for the company
a team committed to taking steps to lead greener and more 'aware' lifestyles (organic fruit deliveries! recycling! team yoga!)
a healthy, happy team makes everything a little bit better

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What Small Business Owners Need to Know About Protecting Their Reputations

by Geri Stengel on Jun 16, 2011 - 12:12am

brand customer service Small Business small business Social Media social media

If you haven’t been convinced of the importance of social media yet – after all, your business isn’t a government in need of overthrowing – maybe the latest news out of England will wake you up.

A soccer player got a court order barring any mention in the press of his tawdry affair. Despite the court order, it all got out on Twitter, which wasn’t included in the injunction. After all, how can you stop the world from chatting?

Keep 'em Coming Back: Repeat Customers Make Small Businesses Thrive

by Geri Stengel on Dec 7, 2010 - 7:14am

customer retention customer service marketing Small Business small business

From 0% introductory credit cards to super low cable rates for 3 months, from 30% off your first purchase of diaper covers to free shipping on your first order, businesses spend money and pay attention to potential customers. That's what marketing is all about: new customers.

Better Bottom Lines Need Long-Term Planning

by Geri Stengel on May 18, 2010 - 10:50am

better business customer service Forecast / Prediction long term planning shareholders social responsibility

What would the world be like if every business took into account its effect on all its stakeholders: shareholders, of course, but employees, customers, communities, and suppliers as well?

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