Hug Your Customers by Jack Mitchell

Are customers the center of your world? Of course we say they are, but are they treated that way? Jack wants you to treat them like kings and queens. Impress them by remembering their nicknames, favorite sports team and anniversary. Have their favorite beverage on hand when they stop by. Create a culture that appreciates and personally interacts with your customers. It not only creates a place that’s fun to work, but it creates loyal customers that come back time and again.

I don’t know a business owner who wouldn’t say the customer is the most important part of their business, so I asked Jack how he would know if an owner or CEO really believes that or is just kidding themselves. See if you pass the test.

Links:
www.HugYourCustomers.com
www.MitchellsOnline.com

 

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We: The Ideal Customer Relationship by Steve Yastrow

Wouldn’t you like to have every customer be your best customer? Isn’t it reassuring when you know they won’t flock to a competitor if it moves in next door. They won’t leave because there is more than just the exchange of products and services - there is a relationship involved. I know you’d like to think there is no business like yours but the reality is (with rare exception) the average consumer doesn’t see it that way - what you offer is duplicated by others in the marketplace. What isn’t duplicated is the relationships that you have with your customers. Strong customer relationships are the best marketing tool you have.

Links:
www.Yastrow.com
Steve is a regular contributor at www.TomPeters.com
Closing music from www.Shakshuka.com

 

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I did something off-brand this week, so only those of you who visit the blog will see this - I’m not putting it in the main feed. I was inspired by Jim Harper’s story - his journey of macular degeneration, and hooked up with him and his son Steve to record it. Jim was legally blind a few years ago… that’s right, “was”. Steve’s blog explains more. The guitar at the end is from Larry Hansen.

 

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Manager’s Desktop Consultant: Just-in-Time Solutions to the Top People Problems That Keep You Up at Night by Louellen N. Essex and Mitchel E. Kusy

Working with employees is an art unto itself. Inside the covers of this book are concise, condensed advice on how to handle the full range of manger duties. From dealing with under performers and star performers, to working with an angry employee or boss. It’s perfect for something you can pick up and use to help guide you through a situation.

I talk with Louellen about dealing with underperformers (which the answer may surprise you), the stars on your team, and handling office politics.

Links:
Louellen - www.LouellenEssex.com
Mitch - www.MitchKusy.com

 

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Authenticity by James H. Gilmore and B. Joseph Pine II

What does today’s customer want? Isn’t that the magic question. Yes, today’s consumer wants quality, service and price, but beneath those wavelengths is something of even greater power and momentum for your company - Authenticity.

I talk with Joe about how to render authenticity, being who you say you are and how to be true to yourself. To thine ownself be true, And then it follows as night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.

Links:
Website - www.AuthenticityBook.com

 

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Drop Dead Brilliant by Lesley Everett

A company or personal brand doesn’t stop with marketing brochures and websites. Don’t overlook your first impressions, appearances, and body indicators. We don’t normally include those things when we discuss branding but how we present ourself matters when it comes to relating who you are to those you interact with. Put your best foot forward with your dress and appearance!

Links:
Website - www.WalkingTall.org

 

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Beyond Buzz by Lois Kelly

We’re all familiar with conventional marketing - the company talking about itself. Then there’s buzz - customers talking about the company. The next step is the place to be - a dialog between the company and its customers. But where and how do you start to have a back and forth dialog with customers? What can you do to get people talking? And how do you align your staff to do it right? Lois explains how to take this new and greatly beneficial journey.

Links:
Website - www.Foghound.com
Blog - www.blog.Foghound.com

 

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Manager’s Book of Decencies by Steve Harrison

With the 24/7 pressures of corporate life, we can quickly dismiss pleasantries, courtesies and just plain ‘being nice’ if we are not careful. However, there is more harm that what first meets the eye when these decencies are overlooked. And the benefits to an organization when they are performed are worth more than what might be first realized. Forget the bottom line for a moment (although it will flourish)… connecting with coworkers will build a great company in the most amazing ways.

Links:
Website - Book of Decencies

 

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Executive Charisma by D. A. Benton

It’s the edge that makes you personally effective. Yes, you have to be skilled, hard-working, full of integrity and intelligent. That’s substance. Executive Charisma is how you package it. That’s style. Add the two together and you create a winning combination that sets you apart as a leader and allows you to stride past the competition.

Links:
Website - CEO Whisperer

 

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The Confident Speaker by Harrison Monarth and Dr. Larina Kase

Do you have a fear of public speaking? Or how about just the fear of speaking up? It doesn’t have to be the masses that get our hearts racing. The Confident Speaker tackles the gamut of situations and shows you the practical steps to handle and present yourself. Whether you have high, medium or low anxiety, Harrison and Larina want to improve your skills and develop a stronger belief that you can communicate and engage others confidently.

Links:
Website - The Confident Speaker
Blog - Larina Kase

 

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