Customer service is at an all-time low and customer satisfaction in dealing with a product or service issue is just as low, about 40 percent. Two of three consumers are likely to experience rage during an interaction with a customer service rep. In addition, 63 percent of consumers are likely to experience no satisfaction whatsoever in dealing with a product or service complaint. For retailers the outcome is not good as it is putting about $202 billion in revenue at stake and can slash consumer repeat business and loyalty to shreds. So let’s improve your customer service. Start this week with the The… 

First two headlines we saw this week on social media sure weren’t positive. First, there was the report Millennials Aren’t Buying Things on Social Media. We’re reminded though that Social Media Doesn’t Drive Sales… But That’s Not the Point. The other headline shared Older People Think Social Media is Superficial. Elderly are opting out of social media because they think its social conventions are cold and self-centered. Stars are quitting social media. Is anyone still utilizing social media? Yes. And if you want to optimize your initiatives on the outlets, keep check out these reads: Three Social Media Strategies Your Top Competitors Don’t Want You… 

You’ve started your social media accounts. You’re posting. You’re tweeting. You’re pinning. Starting to get proficient at Facebook. Even used a #hashtag in a tweet. You’re getting proficient. Want to get better. Perhaps not so much learn new tips but make sure you’re not making mistakes. The first three reads have 30 to make sure you avoid: 15 Ways To Fail At Social Media Marketing [Infographic] Failing at social media marketing can be a costly experience. Your efforts leading up to your failure can be rendered useless. That is never a good feeling. In order not to fail, it’s important… 

Email marketing is consistently ranked as the best channel in terms of return on investment. 68% of companies rate the channel as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. (1) For every $1 spent, email marketing generates $38 in ROI. (2) Email is 40 times more effective at acquiring new customers than Facebook or Twitter. (3) So now that you’re convinced (or perhaps you were already,) let’s optimize your performance: 6 Keys to More Effective Email Marketing Email marketing is never a guaranteed win. Columnist Mary Wallace shares six tips to help you drive engagement and ultimately improve your revenue. 7 Ways To Perfect Your… 

Tourism professionals at Convention and Visitors Bureaus – CVBs (or Destination Marketing Organizations – DMOs) are implementing some innovative programs to increase visitation in their destinations. We call them Tourism Best Practices. New Banners Hung Downtown A total of 60 new banners were purchased for $4,000 with funds from the Fergus Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau Goal Is to Help Visitors Discover City The UP/GO Trolley Service is up and running with the hope of drawing visitors and business travelers staying at Marysville hotels to businesses in Uptown Marysville and elsewhere. John McIntire Library Teams Up Withg CVB to Launch… 

You’ve started your social media accounts. You’re posting. You’re tweeting. You’re pinning. But are you doing it right? This week 10 mistakes you might be making and time wasters with social media: 7 Social Media Mistakes You Might Be Making We showcase seven different social media mistakes a lot of business owners make when trying to expand their online presence. The Biggest Social Media Mistakes Your Company is Making VermontBiz talked to Jed Singer, President of Socialight Media, about the dos and don’ts of social media in the business world. You’re Probably Wasting Your Time on Social Media (Do These… 

When one thinks of the most required skills to provide exceptional customer service, patience, attentiveness and empathy come to mind. One must be a good listener and good communicator as well. I’d offer a new skill to the list of brands that look to offer exceptional, memorable customer service – consistency. Consider these two recent experiences: Jekyll and Hyde I stayed in a hotel in Wichita, Kansas. The lady that checked me in that night showed very little personality. Maybe glanced at me but certainly didn’t maintain eye-contact. Gave me my keys and sent me on my way. I had…