I think this asks it all!  As a small business owner, you need to be Very customer related.  Are you?

We have all fallen into the routine of making or web site copy geared toward selling ourselfs and our product.  While this in itself is not a bad thing, we tend to forget the customer in this.  They are why we are here!  We need to tell them how we can help them solve that pesky little problem of thiers.

I myself realized I was doing just what I preach against.  My website SilverFlame Designs is being re-worked as I type this to re-align the content to focus on my customers, and how I can help them with thier problems, not push for their business. 

“WHAT!” you say? “Don’t you want business?  You need to sell product to live!” True enough, I do.  First I have to help my customers understand what it is they need, and how I am able to help them get it.  Sometimes all they need is a push in the right direction, not a 1/2 hour long sales pitch.  I’ll bet my last nickel that if I help a customer get something that helps them, they will be back when they need something again to see what help I can give them.  This time it will be a service I DO provide.

 I have serveral customers like this already.  They come back and ask questions all the time, and I answer the best I can, or turn them on to someone that can answer better.  They ALWAYS remember this, and pass my name along to that “friend” that needs my services.

The end comment I have on this is an “Old Saying”  “What goes around, comes around” or better yet “you have to give, before you can get.”