The 2 Fatal Mistakes Online Business Owners Make With Customer Service

Customer service can make or break your business, and that couldn't be truer when it comes to an eCommerce business in particular. When someone comes to your website to make a purchase, you have to realize that they are choosing you over thousands of other stories on the web.

What are you going to do to not only close the deal but make sure they are satisfied after the delivery?

Having excellent customer service will be key, but you have to avoid these two common mistakes to make sure you can keep your new customer coming back time and time again.

1. Not Being Accessible

People have issues trusting stores on the internet these days. With so many scams out there, you have to show that your company is a trustworthy source for whatever it is you happen to be selling. One of the ways you can do that is by making your customer service department very accessible.

This doesn't just mean listing a phone number in the header, which instantly adds credibility, it also means having other options that you can be reached through, like live chat, email, and even social media. By making yourself accessible, you give people reassurance that you'll be there should any problems arise with their order.

And, in today's world where a lot of people don't have the time to speak on the phone, live chat is definitely the way to go in most situations. Have a chat box automatically pop up on the website so people can get in touch with you without searching for a hidden "Contact Us" link.

2. Not Following Up

The second biggest mistake an online business can make when it comes to customer service is not following up with buyers after they have made a purchase. You should invest in an email list and autoresponder to make sure that every customer is emailed a "thank you" for their purchase email, a delivery confirmation, and then a follow-up email a few days later to see if they like what they are getting.

This follow-up email is also the ideal time to ask for a review, which can help boost your reputation even more. If they happen to be unsatisfied with the product, you greatly reduce the risk of chargebacks or returns just by offering to make it right for them up-front. Instead, you might be able to settle with a store credit or an exchange.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jon_Allo/1079948

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How To Create a Podcast For Your Business

Recording a podcast will connect you in a new way with your audience. They'll really get to know you and start to look forward to your shows. It's an effective way to create content in a new way that will get interested in your current audience and new members alike as you add value to their lives.

Come Up with a Theme and Main Purpose

When you decide to start a podcast, you want to come up with a theme for your podcast plus understand what the main purpose is for your podcast. Try to write down as many show ideas as possible.

Get the Right Equipment

You don't have to buy the top of the line equipment, but you do want to ensure that you sound good. You'll need a good quality microphone, your computer (a laptop or PC is fine), and some editing software like Audacity that will allow you to perfect your show. Plus, you'll need to be able to ensure that your show is encoded properly in the right format. Finally, you'll need a place to host your podcast like Amazon S3 servers, or you can use a service like BlogTalkRadio.com.

Plan Out Your Shows

You'll want to write an outline for your shows. The best shows keep a similar format for every show. Plus, if you have segments on your show, it's easier to plan the content. For example, you may have time set aside for opening monologue, music, various topics, commercial breaks, closing remarks, and your outro.

Set Up Your Shows for the Next Quarter at a Minimum

You'll want to schedule your show themes in advance so that you can invite the right guests on the show. Plus, knowing what the show is about in advance helps you develop the right content, find sponsors, and know what products you want to promote.

Market Your Show

Once you have everything set up and know your launch date, work on getting at least three shows completed for marketing purposes. Start marketing at least six weeks before your launch date so that you can get a good audience for the first three shows. This is going to ensure that your show gets started with good fans.

Have Fun

An important thing to remember about doing a podcast is that your happiness (or not) shows through in your voice. To help, try looking in a mirror when you talk so that you can keep your voice and personality light when appropriate. Have show notes in front of you so you don't have to memorize anything, and just talk and be yourself.

A podcast provides on-demand and targeted content that your audience is looking for. It's free for your audience, they can listen to it on the go and allows you to connect with your audience much better than text-based media. To learn how easily you can start your own podcast, download my free checklist, Podcasting For Beginners, at https://jonallo.com/podcasts

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jon_Allo/1079948

3 Keys To Starting A Small Business

Since the majority of startup small businesses fail, how can you succeed?

Before we answer this, who am I? I have set up and sold 4 small businesses over the last few years, all of which continue to be successful, so I know a few things about the subject.

Now, let's get to the main points:

Planning

It is important to know what, when, why, where and how you are going to start your business. Unless you have a clear focus, don't even try, it will just be a waste of your time and energy.

In addition, you will want to do whatever courses are available that might help you achieve your goals. For instance, in my case, before starting my most recent venture, I completed a Certificate 3 in Business Studies, a Diploma in Digital Marketing, a Diploma in Sales, and, a Diploma in Project Management.

Practice

What I mean by practice is not to just dive straight in and learn on the job, no, what will really help you is to observe how SUCCESSFUL people have started the same kind of business that you are attempting to start. How can you do this? One effective way is by getting a job in the industry where you intend to work. Once you have done this, observe the process. If it truly is a successful business, they will have a highly organized and effective process.

Another possibility is actually starting the business. I know, I know, I said don't do this, however, this suggestion has a little difference. Start the business with no expectations. Become the marketing director, accounts manager, sales director, etc... do everything yourself. The problem with this approach is that it will take up huge amounts of time, amounts of time that will be saved if you are able to work in a successful business that someone else has started. Yes, this suggestion is the harder of the two routes, however, what it does do is go from theory to a complete practical knowledge of the industry, to become fully immersed in it.

Pursue

There is a reason why 4 out of 5 small business start-ups fail, the rewards are hard to achieve and take inordinate amounts of time to achieve. How can you get over this obstacle?

The key is to Pursue. You need to be focused on your goal, and, never to look away or be distracted from this purpose. How long can you focus on your goal? Only you can answer that! However, realistically, it will take you some years to truly progress in your endeavor. If you are someone who gives up easily, you should really not try to start a business. Instead, look for a well-paying job.

The Benefits

If it is all such hard work, why bother? The rewards can be huge. Consider just a few:

*Time - Have a flexible schedule, spend more time with your family or other priorities.
*Passive Income - Depending on the type of business you intend to start, it may keep paying you even when you are not working.
*Capital Gains - You have the possibility of achieving significant R.O.I on the outlay involved in starting your business.

Want to start a business? Go for it! But, remember to Plan, Practice and Pursue!

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Simon_Harrison/2545651

5 Steps For Successful Outsourcing

There are many success stories of how outsourcing saves time, saves costs and brings highly skilled employees into the business to complete specific projects. And it's true that the best way to manage time is by delegating and outsourcing. You can save time and save yourself from a lot of stress by putting effort into the front end. Here are five easy steps to make your outsourcing plan successful.

1. Choose the Right Person

Choosing the lowest bid for a project is tempting. Before you do this, though, make sure this is a person you are ready to work with. They will need to be in contact with you for the duration of the project, so make sure their business practices align with yours. You don't want to have to explain to your customers that you were outsourcing and you didn't know the company's business practices. Save yourself from frustrations and research the new partner.

2. Trust Them and Treat Them as a Partner

When outsourcing, there is a tendency to either micromanage or ignore. If you're used to having control over your company, it's hard to let go and trust someone you don't know to handle crucial parts of your business. By losing direct control over the daily operations of a specific process, you can get more control over the rest of the processes that need attention.

Thus, when outsourcing the relationship should be based on trust of mutual competence. So it doesn't hurt to pay more for someone you trust over someone you don't know.

3. Don't Outsource the Core of Your Company

Trust is crucial in outsourcing, but it's likely that someone else will not take care of your company as you will. The employees you hire and groom should handle the core portions of your company. You don't want your risk your business failing and having to start from scratch again.

Choose a partner who knows their role in your business and works with you to entrench themselves into your workflow and company culture, as if you were to build it yourself.

4. Define Work Ownership

For outsourced projects, make it clear who owns the resulting product and the important parts of the product. Ensure the service providers know how you intend to use the work they're agreeing to provide. It's important to have a written agreement, particularly if the work is sensitive.

5. Keep Things Professional

When working with outsourced staff, sometimes you become friends. This is often a huge mistake because it makes it difficult for you to fire them if they're not getting their work done. If someone is not doing their work on time, it's their fault you're firing them, and you shouldn't feel bad about it. In most cases, if you want your business to be successful, separate business and friendship.

Outsourcing is one of the most cost-efficient ways to grow your business. It's how the biggest and most profitable businesses in the world generate the wealth and freedom their owners enjoy. To learn more about the advantages of outsourcing and where you can find reliable and trusted freelancers, download my free checklist, Getting Started With Outsourcing at https://jonallo.com/outsource

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jon_Allo/1079948

The Introvert's Guide To Networking

Networking Blues: How Do I Dress For Events

Networking in person is a really good way to quickly build trust and credibility. Being able to make direct contacts, engage in active conversations and dialogue, steers the process in the right direction. But, as you are meeting new people, it is extremely important to have a professional presence. Thus, dressing appropriately, respecting business, social and cultural protocols increases your likeability and trust factor with colleagues and potential clients.

Listed below are helpful and practical tips for creating a dynamic physical image.

Sound Advice

Before you select your next outfit for an event, consider asking for advice. You can reach out to the organizer or host of the function, Google the suggested business attire or ask a friend. Taking the time to seek out additional support will not only properly prepare you but builds your confidence and comfort for the event.

The Observer

Another good idea is to take into account how your colleagues have dressed for past events. Look at individuals who represent your gender, age, profession, etc. to gain insight on the standard for dressing well. You can even go a step further by picking certain individuals who mimic your preference or style.

Additional Factors

Last but not least, you can gauge the climate of the event but considering a few factors. Where is the event being held? What time of the day will it be conducted? Who is expected to attend? These are great ways to choose an ensemble that is suitable for the function.

Definitely use these tips to properly dress for events. Keep in mind that being professional adds to your credibility and builds a sense of trust for establishing quality and fruitful relationships.

Chi Chi Okezie is the owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC in Atlanta, GA. Learn tips, tactics, and techniques from the Champion Networker! Visit the SN Official Website: http://www.snseminars.com to read excerpts of her books, sign up for her newsletter, register for events and classes, or visit her blog!

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Chi_Chi_Okezie/154937