May 15, 2019 –
When the arborist quoted me nine hundred and fifty dollars to remove one diseased palm tree from my front yard, I said that’s a little high, can you do better? I’ll email you a written estimate. Three days later, no written estimate. I called another tree removal company; they came out, gave me a price and, the next day cut the tree down, hauled it away, and swept the sidewalk free of debris and sawdust—$300.
When I thanked the owner and gave him the check, He replied, “I get most of my business from referrals; I have to give more service than my customer expects.”
I replaced the carpet in two rooms of my home with wood flooring along, with painting a bathroom, and installed a new fixture. The contractor volunteered to meet me at Lowes and help select the accessories.
I appreciated observing a craftsman at work. The miter for the molding came from a master’s hand. The job, when completed, was perfect, the clean-up immaculate, and the carpenter’s positive attitude refreshing. Yes, he is his company’s only employee. Another entrepreneur providing, fast, professional service. I’ll recommend him to my friends.
Dynavistics is a software and services company owned by two young entrepreneur friends of mine. They sell software and services worldwide., and their company values are framed and placed on a wall, like many others. The difference is these values guide every decision they make. Before accepting a new client, they ask, “Will our relationship with this potential client integrates with our values,” if not, they forgo the new business.
Here is a list of their nine values.
- Competency–We value skill and real-world knowledge.
- Honesty—If we don’t have the right solution for your business, we will tell you.
- Work/Life Balance—Our employees make work an enjoyable part of their lives.
- Community—We give back through time and money to make our community a better place.
- Quality—We strive to deliver the highest quality software and services.
- Reputation—We value our professional and personal reputations.
- Rewards—Our entire company shares in the rewards of accomplishing our goals.
Three companies, three entrepreneurs, and three examples of Old-time Customer Service. You shouldn’t be surprised to find excellent customer service in an entrepreneurial organization; their business survival depends on it.
Customers have a choice for service—excellent service or bad service. But then bad service is oxymoronic, costly, and unforgiving.
Does your church have a published set of values for the members to live by?