Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! Evan Signature
Evan Carmichael Top Header
Share for a Cause









Hello, Is Anybody Home?

Written by: Mark Smiciklas

Article Overview: I wonder how many companies simply ignore inquiries that arrive via the "info@companyname.com" in-box? In an era of technology and connectivity, there should be no excuse for your small business to miss the opportunity to serve a customer.

Free Download - Managing Small Business Growth by Balancing Big + Small By Mark Smiciklas
Name: Email:

Hello, Is Anybody Home?

I wonder how many companies simply ignore inquiries that arrive via the "info@companyname.com" in-box?

On a recent project I needed some product information to complete a proposal for a client. I contacted four manufacturers and received only one response. I will likely end up recommending the one supplier that took the time to help answer my questions.

In an era of technology and connectivity, there should be no excuse for your small business to miss the opportunity to serve a customer.

Think about mapping "info@yourcompany.com" to a specific email address and having that email account linked to a BlackBerry. This will give you the ability to engage in a conversation with a customer instantly.

I think you will be surprised by the positive reaction you will get from your customers - most small businesses don't deliver on the service promise...set yourself apart by responding to those emails and providing responsive service that will create buzz and word of mouth about your small business.

Related Articles
  Home Staging in Rochester, New York
  Selecting an Online Home Biz
  2010: Getting Started in a Work at Home Business
  Home Staging Helps Sellers Meet Conditional Offer Deadline
  The Perfect Work At Home Business Opportunity

Home > Business-Coach > Mark Smiciklas > Hello Is Anybody Home
Article Tags: blackberry, buzz, email address, excuse, inquiries, positive reaction, proposal, responsive service, service promise, small business, small businesses, word of mouth

About the Author: Mark Smiciklas
RSS for Mark's articles - Visit Mark's website

Mark Smiciklas is a Vancouver strategist that uses a casual, no-nonsense approach to help businesses engage with their audiences using new marketing, social media and brand journalism. To find out more please visit http://www.intersectionconsulting.com/. If you are interested in more thoughts and ideas on marketing and social media please visit the Intersection Blog at http://www.intersectionconsulting.com/blog/ Download Mark's FREE E-BOOK, "The Small Picture - A Visual Guide To Marketing & Management Ideas for Small Business", at http://www.intersectionconsulting.com/ebook.php.

Click here to visit Mark's website Dashed Line

More from Mark Smiciklas
The Small Picture


Related Forum Posts
Re: Trade Shows - Are They Worth It? Re: Trade Shows - Are They Worth It? - HI, I have used trade shows (not participated) to collect potential clients. For example, the Home & Garden Industry is extremely behind the time in regards to their websites. I attended an Home & Garden Expo in Denver and collected all the companies contact information. I plan on cold calling & mailing information to each business. It also gave me time to research the industry more, talk directly to the owners in many cases, and learn more about what they need. Jeff
Try wikipedia.com for more information Try wikipedia.com for more information - That depends what type of business you are involved in. Maybe if you share that, we can help you a little better. I work mostly in the Work at Home industry so my advice would only be along those lines.
Franchises in Texas... Franchises in Texas... - I wonder if any Home Depots are going to open in Houston and environs to take care of rebuilding the city and suburbs? At the very least, it will probably be a boon for construction and home repair workers.... and scammers too, of course.
Home Equity to Finance your business Home Equity to Finance your business - Jen, do you have Home Equity you can leverage? Maybe a relative or close family member can do it for you in return for an interest "balloon payment" at the end of 5 years (the rate would be above what they would get if they invested it in a GIC).
Suggestions for your website... Suggestions for your website... - Hi...I took a look at your website, and most of it looks pretty good... However, the Home Page is a bit sparse. All the buttons going down the left hand side, a few squares with info at the top, and all that white space below.... It really needs some text of some kind there.... perhaps a happy person or two wearing some of your wares?


Recommended Article for You close

  Home Staging in Rochester, New York

Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.



Featured Article


Bottom Footer
Share for a Cause












Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Popular Articles

Selling What Sizzles vs. Delivering Real Value

TRADE SHOW FOLLOW-UP: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

9 tips to increase ROI in PPC Campaigns
Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.