The tides have been turning in business as business owners and operators come to better understand the true meaning of efficiency, productivity and profit—and what gets you there.
Welcome The Little Man
Interestingly, the tide has turned in all businesses, even those who, before the original version of this book was published, placed themselves in untouchable positions of power and believed they had no need to cater to the lowly public. The bankers of yesteryear are a prime example. Bankers were known to be a snobby, impolite lot, but with the competition they now have from each other, as well as investment firms, credit cards, and mortgage companies, rudeness is not a trait the modern banker can afford. Loans today are easier to obtain than ever before, and bank officials understand that they, too, have to welcome the ‘little man’ if they hope to survive.
The thousands of bank failures during the depression had the effect of removing the mahogany doors behind which bankers formerly barricaded themselves. They now sit at desks in the open, where they may be seen and approached at will by any depositor, or by anyone who wishes to see them, and the whole atmosphere of the bank is one of courtesy and understanding.
Serving The Customer Of Today
It used to be commonplace for customers to have to stand and wait at the corner grocery until the clerks were through passing the time of day with friends, and the proprietor had finished tallying up his bank deposit before being waited upon. Chain stores, managed by courteous people who see to every aspect of customer service pushed the old-time merchants into the background.
Some might argue, understandably, that the time of excellence and customer service is gone again, however, they are staging a comeback. Businesses simply cannot afford not to. “Courtesy”, “Efficiency”, “Convenience” and “Service” are the watch-words of business again today, and in large part because the internet has pooled so many resources at the touch of a button that no business would dare try to compete without excelling in what they do. There would be no point. Again, all of this comes because today’s business is employed by the public they serve, not the other way around.
Your Excellent Opportunities
In whatever you choose to do, know that you too need to be excellent at it. Give more, go above and beyond, and live and work by the rule of integrity and honesty, and yours will be the venture most sought after, and most appreciated, and hence utilised, by the ‘new’ customer.
Sean Rasmussen
Success Communicator
Aussie Internet Marketer © 2004 – 2009
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Businesses are realising that customer service means actually providing service and support and not expecting the customer to keep coming back no matter how they are treated.
““Courtesy”, “Efficiency”, “Convenience” and “Service” are the watch-words of business again today,” are so true and should never have been ignored or forgotten.
Be honest with your clients and they will return again and again.
Tania Shipman´s last blog ..Melbourne Cup
Well, I, for one, am glad I don’t have to go to a bank interview, dressed up in a suit, just to ask for a loan. I know that’s how it used to be and I’m so grateful for the competition that the non-bank lenders brought to Australia.
Lina Nguyen´s last blog ..How to make comments online and build your online persona
Good service is the back bone of all business now days. I will drive to the other side of town if I know that company is going to give good service, with the product I need, and in a way that makes it feel right to hand over my money. When you are looking for banks for loans, its important to feel comfortable with the bank manager, the tellers and all those that work there. If it feels good, then I will always enjoy going back…..I have left shops that are so rude because the sales person was too busy talking on the phone, or was too rude with their comments. Wake up business – to survive the competition you need those three qualities Napoleon lived by.
Thanks Sean
Lisa Wood´s last blog ..Its Meant To Be
Hi Sean,
Many years ago when I got my first job, the first piece of advice that I was given was that the customer was always right. It seems that we’ve come full circle and again the customer is the most important part of any business.
There is so much competition now amongst businesses that customers do have a lot of choice. So, it is a case of give excellent service or your customers will go elsewhere.