(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)
It has been said that we live in a service-based economy. Closer to the truth is that we live in a less-service-than-we-would-like economy. You surely experienced situations where service has fallen short of your expectations or desires. For you, then, to simply provide good or even great service to your clients will set you apart.
True, but why not aim higher?
Top notch service merely handles what your customer has been clever enough to ask for. What if you were always looking beyond your customers requests to find the underlying issues, the root problems that they have, but can t even see?
Picture the Realtor who merely handles a transaction well versus the one who helps you with all the aspects of your move.
Or the CPA who simply prepares tax returns accurately versus the one who advises you on a smart new way to organize your business.
Or the payroll service which writes your company s paychecks on time versus the one which eliminates your fear of having problems with the taxing authorities.
When you provide solutions for your customers real problems, they become advocates for you and bring you new clients.
Copyright 2003 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.