Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Customer Experience is different than Customer Service

If you give Great Customer Service, it doesn't mean the Customer Experience is always good.

Granted, great customer services leads to customer experience, but it's not always the sole or single reason that a customer appreciates the service level you give them.

In our company, we are typically dealing with customers who are upset, angry and just plain frustrated.  I always tell our employees that "If the customer is mad at the manufacturer of their computer, then they are mad at you, because to them, you ARE the manufacturer of the computer."

When you have an angry or upset customer, then from the first minute you interact with them, you are behind the eight ball....

You can give the best customer service on earth, but sometimes customer experience starts even before you walk in the door!

So, how do we insure a Great Customer Experience!?!

1.  Empathy:  Truly thinking through how the customer feels is key; understanding their feelings; putting yourself in their shoes;  figuring out what You would want done if you were the customer.

2.  Communication: Simple statements, "Mr. Customer I understand how you feel, I would feel exactly the same way.....let me try and make this right for you! That's my job..."  Don't bash other people "Yeah tech support sucks, but I am much better than they are" or "Yeah you're dealing with an American boy now, not some Indian on the phone".  That's totally unacceptable!  Don't be tossing folks under the bus!  Ever....

3.  Look Good - Feel Good:  Customer Experience is also based on 'PERCEPTION'.  If a customer perceives you to be professional, then you are...if they perceive you to be a silly person who doesn't know what they are doing, then unfortunately, you are.  Seriously-remember-Perception is Reality.  So, dress the part, stand up straight, be confident without being arrogant, and be the professional that you truly can be!

4.  Customers Pay You to be there!:  I worked for a hospital system back in the day with hundreds of employees.  Periodically the Administrator of the hospital would grab ten or fifteen paychecks and sign them personally.  This was just a way for him to remind people "who signs their paycheck" and who they work for....I've done this before also, just to remind someone who the boss is....not really the best motivation....but, what if your Customer signed your paycheck?  What if the people who you service were the people who paid you each week?  Would you treat them differently?  Would you 'up your game'?  Would you make sure their Experience with you and your company was excellent in every way???   Yeah, me too!

Customer Experience is about Perception. 

Customer Experience is about how the customer feels after you leave.

Customer Experience is measurable, and never predictable.

Customer Experience is the most important part of our jobs.

Let's work hard to make sure our customers experience excellent customer service.

Because they really do sign our paycheck every week!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Re-Branding a company

I had always wished I had named our company something else.  I never really liked the name, and I didn't chose it, so since I am 'always right', I continuously harped on the fact that the company name doesn't even remotely describe what we do.

There were a couple of iterations over the years, adding "I.T." to the end of our name and replacing "Resources".    Then we tried a couple of variables on the Logo, but still....our company name didn't ever describe what we do or what we can do for our customers.

A brand is your most important and valuable asset.  I never felt like we were creating a "brand" with our company name.  If you google our company, we show up right at the top of the search results, but....we are also just under 'Adult Diapers'.  That made me crazy for the first year or two that we were in business.  And only two people ever really liked our company name, and both of them are very long gone!

So, how do you re-brand?

As a non-expert marketing non-guru, it seems to me that it may be rather easy.

As a non-expert marketing non-guru, it seems that there is a lot that I don't know, that I don't know.

So, here are the obvious things that must be done when re-branding:

1.  Logo Change
2.  Legal and Trademark issues
3.  Website re-design and brand
4.  Letterhead, office signage etc...
5.  Bank and Pay issues to resolve
6.  Marketing materials
7.  Customer Notifications
8.  Employee Notifications
9.  Prospect Notifications
10. Figuring out what you want your brand to be, in one month, six months, and at the end of the year.

 So....I know what the new name is, I know what the logo is going to be, I have the website finished, I even have a couple of marketing videos ready to go.

Now what?  We have hundreds of employees, in more than 40 states.  What about employee badges?  What about LinkedIn?  What about Facebook?  What about What about What about??????

Maybe this wasn't as smart as I first thought.

We'll see!   About to send out the first notification that 'something' is coming. 


Sunday, March 6, 2011

Advice to Aspiring Entrepreuers

So, in 2007 I got the news, my six figure cushy job was going away. I didn't know at the time but it was the start of the so-called 'great recession', and not only my job was being eliminated, but the jobs of millions of American's were in jeopardy.

The first thought I had was to get my resume out to as many people as possible. Gmail only let me send "X" number of emails in a day, and I maxed that out quickly and google turned off my email for 24 hours. I sat there hoping that someone had seen my resume, and would either refer me to a hot job prospect or maybe even hire me quickly!

That didn't happen.

My next thought was, what can I do to make sure this never happens to me again.

The only thing I could think of was, start my own business!

The first person I sought out was an old boss of mine who had sold his first company for $20MM and his second company for $15MM. I knew he would have some great advice for me, and could steer me the right way, and help me make the final decision.

His advice was: "Don't do it!"

How could I possiblly listen to a guy tell me to Not Do Something, when he had done it, twice, and lived next door to Tiger Woods???

I figured out pretty quickly that I only heard the first three words, Don't do it! and that he had actually said something else: "Don't do it! Unless....."

Unless what? Unless I dont have any other options, Unless I am crazy, Unless I have a great work ethic working alone, ...Unless I have a great idea no one else has? Unless WHAT??

He said, "Unless, you know you can succeed and no one can convince you otherwise".

I started with an PC and a Desk. That was it. The PC was slow by today's standards, and I had no idea where it would take me. I still have the same desk, newer chair, and am on my fourth computer, but the dream remains the same as it was on day 1.

So, what's the purpose of this post??

On Friday, I went to the doctor, and while the nice lady was drawing my blood she asked me if I would talk to her husband about his business that he had started. She said, "Maybe you can convince him to work harder. He thinks that until the economy turns around, he can't find business".

RULE ONE: You are crazy if you start your own business, UNLESS, you are convinced that there are customers who need you and want you. And No One can convince you otherwise!

RULE TWO: Be prepared to work more hours, make less money, and have more stress than you have ever had in your life. And be prepared to thrive on it!

RULE THREE: Consider taking on a partner. Only take on a partner if they are Smarter Than You Are!

RULE FOUR: Only work with people who are as driven, and as excited about your company as you are.

RULE FIVE: Don't ever give up. And when you do, don't tell anyone. Because if you give up one day, you will regret it the next. When you give up, take a break, come back and try again. Repeat as necessary!

RULE SIX: Don't risk your family's future. I did, and so far it looks like it will pay off, but if at all possible, try and have a second income for your family. I didn't but somehow have survivied.

RULE SEVEN: Find customers who Like You! Don't deal with people who won't help you grow your business, if you have done a great job for them. Referrals are everything!

RULE EIGHT: Don't be afraid to try new things. You can become an expert in a hurry if you research your new product or offering, get one customer, and make sure that your trail and error is invisible to them.

RULE NINE: Finding customer's is the hardest thing to do with a new company. Your first and second customer should be done almost at cost, just get the customer, get a reference, get a starting point, do a good job, ask for referrals, use that customer when you market to others, don't try and make money on the first few customers....they will appreciate what you are doing for them, and it will pay off ten fold.

RULE TEN: Pray.

More later....have fun, and if you are interested in starting your own company, Don't Do It...Unless....

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Top Ten Mistakes while Interviewing

Twenty years in a single industry is a long time, at least it seems to be in my world.

I remember being trained as an entry level recruiter twenty years ago this month, the same holds true to today as it did then, recruiters are only as good as the processes they learn and the tasks they do on a consistent basis.

Today there is a glut of talent, and recruiters will repeatedly assume that if one candidate does not work out, there is another that can be located immediately without too much work.

This makes it tough on the Candidate, as recruiters are not preparing candidates for interviews today as much as they have done in the past.

So...with that said, Candidates must prepare themselves for an interview sometimes without assistance from a recruiter.

The key is: Make your Interview Mistake Free!

Here are Ten Mistakes that people make when interviewing:

1. No Goal.

You must have a goal for the interview. Most people think that the goal of the interview is to 'get the job'. That's typically a bad game plan. Your goal should be to "get another interview!" Few companies or hiring managers will hire someone after one or even two interviews. You hardly ever know if it's a one two three or even four interview process. SET YOUR GOAL: GET ANOTHER INTERVIEW!

2. Assuming that a resume will get you a Job.

Resumes should do one thing. Get you an interview! Resumes are simply sales tools, and your initial sale to a prospective employer is to Get an Interview! Re-read your resume, is it formatted correctly, what can you change to make sure that you Get that Interview! Have others read your resume and give you input, see if a 'layman', or someone outside your industry, can understand your resume. RESUME: A TOOL TO GET AN INTERVIEW

3. Using the wrong format in your Resume:

Recruiters are swamped and overwhelmed with resumes. They choose to contact you according to what they see, and you only have a few seconds to get their attention. DO NOT: 1. Use PDF formats (They will not upload into automated systems) 2. Use funky or cool Font. (makes resumes hard to read and some autoreaders will mis-read keywords) 3. Omit information: such as address city and state, this makes your resume look either fake or that you are trying to hide something.

4. Assume that a recruiter will realize that you are willing to take a lower level position:

Believe it or not, recruiters and hiring managers are interested in success, and even if you are more senior than the job requires, in this economy senior people are applying to more junior level jobs. Do not assume that a recruiter will realize this without you telling them that you are open to more junior positions. Do not look desperate, but do make it clear you are willing to work hard, in a more junior role, but apply your Senior Experience to that role.

5. Not "Dressing the Part"

I don't think that dressing business casual is a bad thing, unless you you want the job! Even if you are in Austin or Seattle or some other city where people wear Ed Hardy shirts to work, you are selling yourself! Dress above and beyond the normal dress code of the company. A suit and tie is best, almost always, a dress or slacks for women, but always professional. This is your one and only chance to make a first impression. I have interviewed people when I walk in the room and decided to Not hire them within the first fifteen seconds just because of their decision as to how seriously they take this opportunity! Serious = Dress the Part!

6. Mispronouncing words!

This is so very common, during an interview you are trying to impress the interviewer. Don't use words to impress that you don't use everyday! Trust me on that one, Poor Communication = Unemployment!

7. Not understanding that PERCEPTION is REALITY

What people think of you, or perceive of you, is truly who you really are. Build a perception that you are the Man (or Woman) for the job! Again, use friends or others in your industry to review your resume, to make comments and give you input. After all, they know you best. PERCEPTION = REALITY

8. Forgetting to do your homework

The Dog Ate It, will not work! It's obvious to look at the company website - but - use Facebook, Google, and any other information on the Internet. Look up people on LinkedIn that you may interview with. Send an Email to the hiring manager who may hire you, tell them that you are interviewing with HR or a Recruiter and are excited about the potential interview with them. DO THE WORK - BEFORE YOU GET THE WORK!

9. Not "Asking for the Job!"

Ok, seriously, how many things have fallen in your lap that you have Not asked for? Not many....if you want the job, Ask for It! At the end of the interview, tell the interviewer that after every thing you have heard, you really would love to have this job!" ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT!

10. Not understanding your Competition -

A. You DO have competition for this job
B. You DO have to outdo, outperform and out-interview your competition to Win.
C. It's a battle, it's a game, have a winning gameplan!

Ask about your competition. Try to get feedback on what you are lacking and where you may be better than your other candidate competitors. Try and make sure that every potential issue with your resume or background is overcome. Do not Assume that you are getting the job after one interview....assume that you have more work to do! and never, ever, just say "Yep, I sure am interested...., sounds like something I would be interested in...." That's fine for an interview in 2001, You'd probably get the job, but in 2011 being interested means your not the right guy....wanting the job, asking for the job, and getting the job are the new mantra's that all candidates need to adhere to.

Good Luck, do well.....Believe in yourself, and build the perception of the great person you really are.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

As the economy turns.....

Finally, it looks like the economy is turning around and the recession may be ending, or at least this is the end of the begining....

I saw that Modis was aquired by Adecco recently for a multiple of over 9x's earnings, which indicates at least to me that Adecco sees the staffing business as starting to grow once again and should be an excellent year for them in 2010.

As I previously posted, the first signs of the end of the recession should be an increase in 'temporary hiring'....in our business, we are seeing new business start to come from a variety of customers, not just one or two. I.T. staffing has ramped up, Healthcare staffing never ramped down.....manufacturing is slow still from what I hear, and Accounting Finance staffing has remained steady throughout the recession. I don't know how many budgets have been unfrozen within the Fortune 1000, but there does seem to be a thaw so far during the 4th quarter of 2009. Only time will tell, but for those people who are still unemployed, 2010 may be the year that we all put this behind us and are able to move forward.

I hope so.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Becoming a Green Staffing Firm....


"Green Company" is probably going to be one of the most overutilized words in business over the coming months and years....Being Green, Going Green, Becoming Green is something that is not only 'cool', but terms that are going to be PC (Politically Correct)


Seriously, who doesn't want to be known as a "Green" company or individual...it's all about perception.


Our firm, Prevail Resources, is a Green Company. http://www.prevailresources.net/


We were a 'Green Company' from day one...we have no brick and mortar, we have no electricity usage (company-wise), our employees don't commute so there is no carbon footprint, we only utilize wireless phone lines, no plugged in phone systems, our computers (by company policy) are shut off at night, our laptops are set on 'Power Saver' mode, we use little or no paper products, and we only purchase recycled paper when we do have to actually print documents. Virtulization!


So, being a Gree Company can actually be...Green Reality.


How does this matter and Why does it matter to customers?


Well, it probably doesn't...until, large corporations set up one of their famous imperatives to not only become a Good Corporate Citizen and run a Green Shop, but then when they actually search out vendors who do the same! Will it matter in the long run? Who knows.....no idea...no predictions here....but, if it does, companies should be proactive and be ready.


For example, one firm I know in the staffing world has a 22% burden....of that, 6 -9% is operating overhead....leases, water, gas, electric, mileage expense, etc...that's a big amount when you are operating a two-billion dollar company!


Green Companies don't have nearly that type of operating burden....


So, bottom line is, do Green Companies offer their customers lower rates than the large lumbering competitors? Maybe....hard to tell....probably....I think so, but others will argue that point. But common sense says if you don't have the Expense, then your prices are Lower ...right?


Low Carbon Footprint, Green Policies, Virtualization, actually can be a selling point and a value proposition....Don't ya think?

Friday, July 31, 2009

Watching the Recession End....or is it?

2009 has been a tough year in the staffing industry. I have seen companies completely fold, others have become aquired by competitors at vastly reduced values.

Unemployment is at near 10%, from what I understand if unemployment rises above 10%, that indicates we are in a depression.

So, what is going to happen to the staffing and temp industry?

Sooner or Later ---It's going to explode!

Most of the smart people tell us that the first signs of the end of the recession will be an increase in contract or temp hiring. Companies are reporting higher earnings, but are still reluctant to increase hiring practices....yet, business goes on, customers still need services and products, and consumers are still spending money.

As the 3rd quarter of 2009 begins, our industry is seeing some green shoots and potential turnaround signs. This seems to be the indicator that everyone has been looking for...a rise in the contract and temp hiring process and statistics.

Our firm is landing new customers again, and we are adding headcount. We are seeing renewed interest in our business model, Faster Better Cheaper - a Green Approach to Staffing! Our Press Releases are being read again, our customers are answering their phone.

In my opinion, its the begining of the end...I hope so!