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If you are running a small business and just getting started you may at this point have a great product backed by a good support network, but to put the real icing on the cake and distinguish yourself from the rest you need to provide excellent customer service. Otherwise you will have a very tough time setting yourself apart form others who have been in business longer. The fact is your best opportunity to compete involves customer service.

As a small business owner you need to get out front and meat with your customers. This will add a personal touch and put a face on your organization. Then your customers will feel that they are been treated as people and not just another number. This is your advantage because big business can not logistically do it that way. So familiarize yourself with your clients, throw out the words 'Company Policy' and provide your customers with the attention they need.

When considering your options for great customer service, keep in mind, the more the customer can associate you with your product the better your odds of them doing repeat business with you. In the event you send out products, try adding a little personal note, maybe even include a free gift relative to their purchase. There are so many little things you can do that will put a nice touch on everything.

Handle their complaints personally. If they are dissatisfied with something that you have done, take some serious time to assess what has happened. If this is something that you can fix, even if it is not your fault, fix it, and make sure that you get across the idea that you are interested and invested in their wellbeing and customer satisfaction. You'll find that it is surprisingly easy to turn a disgruntled customer into one that will sing your praises if you are simply willing to put the work in.

When it comes to providing excellent customer service, never make promises that you cannot keep. Always air on the side of caution, if your customer wants a time frame to complete a project, give it to them, but make sure and allow enough time so that you can get it done. If you get it done earlier, well then that's a bonus. It is always better to under promise and over deliver.

Just remember as a small business you can add the personal touch easily, which a big corporation can't. This is your ticket to success, you may not have as many customers, but the ones you have, will keep doing business with you.