If businesses provided just that one thing — excellent customer service — they’d be way ahead of their competition and raking in and keeping clients. The amazing thing is that often it’s not hard or costly to make clients happy, yet many businesses seem averse to taking good care of the people who butter their bread.

For nearly a year I frequented a business that provided high-quality meals for people on the go (or, in my case, for people who don’t like to cook). I spent a lot of money there. One day I received an email from the business announcing a delicious special. A few minutes later I was in the store and ready to purchase two meals. However, the owner told me that they had sold out. Sold out?! She had just sent the email!

I was very disappointed, but all she did was apologize. Even though I’d spent enough money at her store to put a kid through college, she didn’t even offer a free dessert for inconveniencing me. Guess what? I haven’t gone back since.

Not long after that, my husband was shopping at a local gourmet store. He wanted to buy my favorite chocolate gelato, but he didn’t see any in the freezer. When the store owner realized he was out of chocolate gelato and how disappointed I would be, he went home where he kept his stock and got a carton — just to make his customer happy. I was absolutely blown away! You can bet that we buy from him all the time.

Now listen to this one. A few days ago I recommended Printingforless.com in a post. Because they monitor blogs for mentions of their company, my service team saw the post and emailed me to express their thanks. But that’s not all. They gave me two appreciation gifts! I got one today — a Pantone process color guide. Cookies from Dancing Deer Baking Company are on their way.

I am beyond thrilled with their customer service. They definitely know how to keep a client for life and generate referrals — one of the greatest “secrets” to a successful business.

[Note to my Bobcat Team: I know you'll see this. Thanks again! No need to send more cookies ]

I’m a huge fan of Printingforless.com. Their product quality is excellent, and the customer service is almost unbelievable!

Because I found them on the Internet and their prices were far less than what I’d pay for a local printer, I wasn’t sure what the quality would be. (This was before their extensive coverage in publications including Inc. Magazine and Forbes.) So I ordered a free packet of product samples. I was sold when I saw the high-quality work.

If you decide to do business with Printingforless.com, feel free to use my Promotional Code RP1LQZ43O to receive $25 off your first order.

Some of you may be familiar with the popular printer Vistaprint.com. At first I was excited by the good prices — you can even get free business cards (with the Vistaprint logo on the back, of course). But then I discovered that the business cards are not standard size — they are smaller. Also, after working with them on several projects, I became unimpressed with their customer service and lack of technical skills. They botched a job and refused to respond to my emails and phone calls. So, buyer beware!

Okay, you might be wondering why I would promote Maryam Webster’s new business-building and marketing program. Isn’t she my competition?

Not really. She and Betsy are lightyears beyond what I could provide for the same price. Plus they have the distinct advantage of being in the helping profession themselves and can provide in-the-trenches advice and assistance. I am happy to steer people to the best programs and services at the best prices.

And here’s how I benefit financially: I will receive a finder’s fee for anyone who signs up.

It’s all about creating a Circle of Giving! Everyone wins in this arrangement.

Skype is a service that allows you to use your computer and the Internet for making “phone” calls. You can download the Skype software for free and call other Skype users anywhere in the world for free. You can’t beat that!

You can also use Skype to call any phone for a ridiculously low cost. Right now Skype has a package for $14.95 for a full year of calling within the U.S. and Canada.

I started using Skype last September to talk to clients in Austrailia. I was amazed at the sound quality. It was crystal clear — it sounded better than my land line!

Skype is super easy to set up and use. For a good overview, plus a comparison to Vonage, see http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/skype-vonage.htm.

This is so cool! Nonprofits and schools can get listed at www.goodsearch.com (for free) and ask supporters to use goodsearch as their search engine (instead of using google, MSN or Yahoo, for example). So when your supporters go to the site and enter their favorite organization (hopefully yours!), as they surf and search, each time they click on a sponsored ad, the nonprofit or school makes about a penny (paid by advertisers). Payouts are made once a year.

Add your nonprofit or school

The goodsearch site has lots of ideas to help you promote the site.

For details, see http://www.goodsearch.com/About.aspx.

Everyone wins!

Are you thinking about starting a blog? Don’t know where to start?! Let’s see if I can get you going in the right direction.

Popular blogging services and software include Blogger (free, from google), Typepad (monthly fee) and WordPress (free). There are many more, but I’m going to limit my discussion to these three to make it simple.

WordPress

I like Internet products and services to be quick, easy and the best fit for my needs, budget and technical expertise. So I chose WordPress. It was the best choice for me because it has all the flexibility and functionality I need, for free. However, setting up and customizing WordPress takes technical skills, including knowing HTML, php, FTP, graphic design, and so forth.

Use WordPress only if you have (or have access to) the technical expertise for setup and customization.

Tip: Many Web hosting services make it easy to install WordPress using software called Fantastico.

Blogger

This is where a lot of people start because it’s free and really easy to work in. The trend has been that “serious bloggers” eventually move on to more robust services, especially services that allow for creating categories (labels).

However, that trend may change. Blogger has just released a big upgrade with more features, including labels.

I might give it a spin!

Typepad

If you want an easy-to-use service with very nice templates and good functionality, consider Typepad. You can choose from three plans. You can also start with a free 30-day trial to see what you think. If you don’t have technical skills, you’ll probably need help with customizing the look, but it’s not nearly as daunting as working with WordPress.

With the new year I begin this blog. Everyone in business (it is said) needs to have a blog! As a business and marketing communications consultant, one would think I’ve had a blog for many moons. But truth be told, I didn’t need a blog. I had all the work I wanted.

Does this mean I need work now? Yes, but a different kind. I have been developing Web sites and content primarily for people in the helping professions. Now I’m turning my attention to copywriting, Web presence consulting, and producing podcasts and other audio products.

Here’s to a prosperous 2007 for all!