Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 1, 2020

Attracting the right customers is the key to success in business, whether you have a new startup or a mature enterprise. For example, Xerox tried to broaden the use of "xerox" as the standard term for "photocopying" to extend their existing customer segment into office automation and all kinds of computing.

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Customer Custom Technical Review Examples 123

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 18, 2020

As a long-time business executive and adviser to entrepreneurs, I see a definitive shift away from customer trust in traditional business messages, and the executives who deliver them. I summarize the key elements of the transformation as follows: Customers are seeking control in a run-away world.

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Customer Custom Social Media Technical Review 173

Berkonomics

NOVEMBER 24, 2016

Repeat customers, raving fans, angry backlashers, commodity shoppers. Here’s another way to look at the ladder to an ideal customer loyalty relationship. Customers hate this, especially when they have a complaint. You don’t want your customers to buy strictly because you have become their “habit of comfort.”.

Customer 120

Customer Custom Satisfaction Pricing 120

Berkonomics

OCTOBER 19, 2023

As my enterprise computer software company which produced innovative lodging systems for hotels and resorts grew quickly, we found ourselves straining to keep up with the hiring and training of good customer support representatives, a critical part of the equation then and still so today in the 24-hour environment of hotel front desk operations.

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Training Resource Customer Custom 156

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 5, 2020

As an advisor to entrepreneurs, I find that I often have to remind them that the world of customers has changed since they started their last business. Pushing yourself on customers by touting features and price doesn’t work anymore. Use analytics to see why customers are buying, as well as what.

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Customer Custom Social Media Startup 133

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 21, 2023

For your own happiness and satisfaction, I recommend you start instead working from that higher purpose and passion. For example, consider CVS Health's Project Health program, which directed teams to provide free health screenings to disadvantaged and underserved patient populations. Measure customer value perception at every stage.

Satisfaction 114

Satisfaction Customer Custom Social Media 114

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 31, 2022

Trying to do everything is a sure way to maximize stress, lower job satisfaction, and minimize productivity. If you are a genius at invention, for example, then that is the role you should seek to keep you motivated and productive. Timing is important, and communication with your customer set is critical.

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Activity Satisfaction Metrics Startup 108

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 12, 2021

It seems they are both looking for more personal satisfaction and sense of purpose for their efforts. Even the simplest of new technologies, such as Zoom for remote meetings, can be a detriment to work satisfaction if workers are not trained on how to use it effectively, causing video and sound problems, as well as background distractions.

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Tips Satisfaction Coach Mentor 159

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

For example, no one predicted that Howard Schultz could take the simple idea of a better coffee experience called Starbucks, and innovate it into a successful chain of almost 34,000 shops in 80 countries. Search for customer pain rather than high margins. New customers don’t see incremental improvements.

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Artificial Inteligence Ideas Satisfaction Customer 114

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 25, 2023

A common initiative I hear from business owners today is their effort to improve the customer experience. To achieve real growth, business leaders need to improve both employee as well as customer experiences. Flexible – listen to allow flex hours and customization. Proactive – timely communication to build trust.

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Customer Custom Training Tool 113

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

In my experience of many years as a business founder, consultant, and executive, I offer the following list of situations that always imply a real need for people and business leadership, and have the potential for long-term positive impact to your bottom line and business success: Your business image is slipping in the eyes of customers.

Coach 120

Coach Satisfaction Customer Custom 120

Berkonomics

AUGUST 24, 2017

As my enterprise computer software company which produced innovative lodging systems for hotels and resorts grew quickly, we found ourselves straining to keep up with the hiring and training of good customer support representatives, a critical part of the equation then and still so today in the 24-hour environment of hotel front desk operations.

Training 243

Training Resource Press Satisfaction 243

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 10, 2022

Thus if you want to change the world with your new business, you need to follow the example of startups like Zappos , which hires according to cultural fit first. Your display of pride in the company and respect for the customer will translate directly into motivation. Consistently ask for and implement ways to improve engagement.

Examples 145

Examples Mentor Activity Product 145

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 31, 2022

Too many customers have long felt distanced from many successful brands, seeing them as closed and mysterious environments, focused only on profits and killing competitors. In fact, Conscious Capitalism companies, for example, historically have outperformed the S&P 500 index by a factor of ten. Shared risks (open capital).

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Organization Social Media Examples Customer 126

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 3, 2021

As a long-time mentor to new entrepreneurs and business owners, I have noticed that many no longer associate more fulfillment and satisfaction with more money, power, and success. In fact, customers today also seem more attracted to companies with a higher purpose than profit.

Satisfaction 173

Satisfaction Mentor Coach Entrepreneur 173

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 22, 2017

For example, I remember a classic book by Penina Rybak, “ The NICE Reboot ,” that does a great job of outlining problem solving steps, honed from working with special needs youngsters. Listen to your customers to arrive at acceptable and marketable solutions. Resolve conflict, accept outcomes, and rebuild communications.

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Satisfaction Marketing Mentor Entrepreneur 53

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 29, 2021

Even before the recent pandemic, when more people began working remotely , I noticed the dynamics changing in many workplaces, both between employee interaction with peers, and interactions with customers. Customers will be impacted and less likely to have a memorable experience. Measure results in terms of customer satisfaction.

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Satisfaction Outsource Study Platform 108

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 1, 2022

For example, I often hear from aspiring entrepreneurs that “I had that idea first, and he stole it, and is now making money on my idea.” This momentum is what you need for enjoyment and satisfaction, as well as for others to see you as a business leader. Build your character and reputation with personal values.

Capital 114

Capital Coach Satisfaction Ideas 114

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 8, 2023

Most business professionals I know have been conditioned to think of inflation as highly negative, driving up their costs, and reducing customer buying. I see it as an opportunity to find new ways to attract customers , make long-needed changes to improve productivity, and lower your own costs of doing business.

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Outsource Customer Custom Sample 95

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 6, 2023

For example, a while back a passionate entrepreneur approached me with an innovative solution for reducing world hunger, but hadn’t focused on the fact that hungry people often don’t have any money, and governments are not easy customers. Find market evidence of customers with means who are willing to pay for a solution.

Tips 80

Tips Startup Satisfaction Ideas 80

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 18, 2023

Customer service has traditionally been focused on the resolution of complaints , primarily after a transaction. My recommendations always include adopting a customer mindset, as well as the following steps: Accept today’s definition of relevant customer support. Treat every customer exceptionally before they complain.

Competition 109

Competition Services Customer Custom 109

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 12, 2023

Leading change is even harder, trying to balance the demands of the customers against the needs and expectations of employees. In parallel with fulfilling your own needs, always use your power to fulfill the needs of customers and team members. You can change products and services, but service and quality to customers must endure.

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Satisfaction IBM IBM Summary 130

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 2, 2016

In business, this means an entrepreneur who never says no to any customer is doomed to a hard life and some expensive mistakes. Many people will argue that total customer satisfaction is paramount, but I’m a pragmatist who believes that treating everyone the same really means treating all of them poorly.

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Customer Custom Startup Satisfaction 65

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 31, 2023

These haven’t changed much over the years, but still seem to be often overlooked by business professionals and leaders in their haste to keep up with peers, competitors, and customers in today’s volatile environment. Timely follow-up on customer and team member requests. Stretch here also increases job satisfaction.

Startup 121

Startup Satisfaction Technical Review Ideas 121

TechEmpower

OCTOBER 9, 2023

With Generative AI and LLMs, new avenues for improving operational efficiency and user satisfaction are emerging every day. An example of this would be: “carrots, chicken, and bok-choy.” Even better, initial implementations are often affordable and relatively fast.

Generative AI 346

Generative AI Artificial Inteligence Tool Knowledge Base 346

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 6, 2022

As you look forward from where you are today, I recommend that each of you consider the following points that the authors and I all agree are key to your satisfaction, as well as your success in business: You love solution creation more than managing business. For example, a whole new level of communication skills is required.

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Satisfaction Training Customer Custom 92

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Many entrepreneurs I know conclude they can never be in control, due to the constant and unpredictable need to satisfy investors, vendors, and customers. Great entrepreneurs are willing and anxious to tackle these control challenges, and get real satisfaction from their acceptance of the “buck-stops-here” position of a business owner.

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Entrepreneur Satisfaction Startup Technical Review 124

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 17, 2016

For too many small businesses, customer service is still seen as a “burden.” The report also indicates that customer problem experiences continue to increase, up four percent to 54 percent since the last study. These days, relationships and online reviews are key drivers for over 80 percent of new customers.

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Customer Custom Startup Satisfaction 56

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

Each of these will help you in achieving success and satisfaction while tackling your toughest business issues: Stop attacking symptoms – dig first for the root cause. A broken process or a subtle quality issue can generate a flood of customer satisfaction problems, cost overruns, and loss of market share.

Satisfaction 152

Satisfaction Mentor Study Startup 152

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 29, 2023

For example, both need to provide exemplary customer service, build customer loyalty, and provide real value for a competitive price. If you don’t have a high level of commitment and passion, you customers won’t seek you out. Customers can touch and see a great product, but services are a bit ethereal.

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Startup Training Services Writing 111

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 14, 2021

He provides dozens of ideas and examples to illustrate how this discipline can work, and the power it brings to any organization. An example is the evolution of computer control to screen touches and gestures, versus keys and mice. Outsource services back to the customer. Your long-term survival and satisfaction depend on it.

Entrepreneur 158

Entrepreneur Startup Outsource Development Design 158

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 30, 2021

For example, a couple of years ago, Starbucks' CEO Kevin R. A community requires two-way communication and respect – including advisors, partners, and customers. Just as your business needs feedback from customers, you need regular feedback from those around you on how to do better. The time to get started is now.

Coach 162

Coach Startup Resource Competition 162

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 16, 2022

I will highlight here just a few of the many lessons that they mention, and I also recommend, to get you started down the path to the satisfaction and success you dream about: Make sure some crazy ideas are added to your list. It does mean owning up to mistakes, pivoting, and really listening to customers, advisors, and industry experts.

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Startup Ideas Satisfaction Social Media 142

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

But very quickly, it is becoming obvious to startups that the value and satisfaction exceeds the costs. A few examples of well-known benefit corporations in the USA include Kickstarter, Etsy in New York, Patagonia in California, and Seventh Generation in Vermont. Social responsibility opens the door to a broader customer base.

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Startup Organization Customer Custom 149

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 1, 2021

Customers are looking for a differentiator today. If you haven’t changed for several years the way you do common processes, like customer satisfaction surveys, lead generation, and marketing, it’s time to look at the new remote apps and social media platforms for more effective and relevant alternatives. Practice your agility.

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Examples Social Media Summary Satisfaction 128

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 4, 2020

For example, I often hear proposals for new online social media or collaboration platforms, maybe more specifically tuned to inventors or artists, or easier to use, and populated by experts, to compete against Slack or Facebook. Remember that your goal is to build a successful business, and customers are in control of making that happen.

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Startup Artificial Inteligence Ideas Entrepreneur 134

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 6, 2021

Every new business I know dreams of building momentum in their business, where growth continues to increase, customers become your best advocates, and employee motivation is high. Unfortunately, with limited resources, this isn’t possible, and it frustrates customers and the team. Focus first on finding more of the right customers.

Technical Review 160

Technical Review Technical Advisors Startup Mentor 160