Saying it with service In today’s world community service has taken on even greater meaning and importance. While giving back as an individual is a great way to make a difference for causes that are important to you, the opportunity for businesses to make a positive impact through community service is a way to both…
Put customers first In an era of rapidly evolving market dynamics, the key to success for businesses isn’t just the quality of their products or the efficiency of their services. The distinguishing factor often boils down to the customer experience. Today the organizations that stand out are those that make their customers the epicenter of…
HHH charts course to customer care Story by Leslie T. Snadowsky Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) is right on the island and offers hassle-free flight options to locals eager to return home and visitors who want to start their vacations as soon as they land. Airport Director Jon Rembold said his crew is empowered to…
To most people the person on the other end of a 1-800 customer service call is little more than a machine. But to business owners, they are angels on earth. Why? Because business owners know just how draining it must be to deal with disgruntled customers all day. Nearly everyone who works in a service-based…
The good, the bad and the snarky Story by Hannah Clark If you’re like most business owners, you have a love-hate relationship with online reviews. On the one hand, your customers’ feedback is out there for everyone to see. But on the other hand, your customers’ feedback is out there for everyone to see, which…
Story by Hannah Clark Most business owners spend their time – and marketing budgets – trying to bring in new business. But as gratifying as it is to see new interest in your business, returning customers spend roughly 67 percent more than first-time buyers. It’s also 10 times more expensive to try and attract new…
Why giving back is good for business Story by Hannah Clark What goes around comes around, especially in the business world. While the pursuit of profit has traditionally driven most business ventures, one of today’s most meaningful KPIs is CSR: corporate social responsibility. Global disasters, an unstable economy and social issues at the forefront of…
Your employees’ attitudes and actions matter Story by Randi Busse Customer service is a critical function in every organization. It is something that business owners must count on their employees to consistently deliver. But how can employees deliver exceptional service if they’re not feeling empowered, appreciated and respected? We think about improving customer service through…
How to avoid trapping your kids in the family business By Hannah Massen We’ll start by saying the first thing your kids want you to know: it’s not you, it’s them. As an entrepreneur, you’ve poured your heart, soul and years of your life into growing and sustaining your business. Yes, you’ve had many long…
What is needed to run a successful family-run business for generations? By Karen Casey, CPA, CFP, is a certified SCORE SC Lowcountry business mentor. There are over 5.5 million family businesses in the U.S., and they employ 62 percent of the U.S. workforce, according to the Family Business Alliance. Pretty impressive, but only 30 percent…