customer retention | The Barefoot Spirit

Saving Customers and Reputation Trumps Efficiency

By the Book May Mean Goodbye

by Michael Houlihan & Bonnie Harvey | Business Blog, Customer Service

You’d think that saving customers and protecting your company’s reputation would be more important than rigid adherence to cookie-cutter scripts and standard policies. They may promise efficiency but ignore special situations. But for many companies,...

B2B or Not to Be? That is the Question!

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS ARE BASED ON YOUR CLIENT’S SUCCESS

by Michael Houlihan & Bonnie Harvey | Business Blog

We often hear, “Oh, we’re B2B (business-to-business), so we don’t have to worry about customers at the general public level.” The fact is, you do. It is an erroneous assumption that B2B is somehow insulated from the source of most income, the general public. If your...

5 Ways to Increase Your Service Business

YOU CAN’T UNRING THE BELL

by Michael Houlihan & Bonnie Harvey | Business Blog

In this two part series we are addressing service businesses. Last time we identified a way of classifying your clients and customers. This time we will offer some ways to increase your business. Your goal is to get more referrals. These are new customers who were...

How to Improve your Service Business

“YOU GOT TO SERVE SOMBODY” – BOB DYLAN

by Michael Houlihan & Bonnie Harvey | Business Blog

Over half of all businesses are service businesses. These industries include many professions from legal and engineering to hair cutting and plumbing. All these services require excellent management, positive company culture, and most important, return clients. Brian...