Mary Schmidt Marketing Troubleshooter

I was at an indie biz gathering last night (small group, vino, low-key - the right kind of networking where you can actually have a conversation) and we got to talking about marketing. Sure enough, someone asked me the eternal question:

“How CAN a small business compete against the big boys?”

One word answer: ATTITUDE!

I much prefer to give business to fellow indies. But, here’s my challenge: they sometimes seem to feel I should literally give it to them. They don’t return calls or emails. They act like they’re doing me a favor by answering my questions. They get defensive when I bring up potential problems. When there is a problem, they go on attack right from the start. (”You don’t understand!” “You didn’t…” “I can’t…”)

Some small biz owners complain bitterly about “unfair” competition from big companies. Well, guess what, kids? The worst competition could be their own attitude. (And - OOPSIE! That ladder on the horse fell down!)

Big companies often do give terrible service, but they also often give it at much lower price. (They also take credit cards - another hint here.)

I’m happy to pay more to a local company when it makes sense. Helps my community and it’s worth a few more dollars for better service and quality. There are many small businesses that do understand the value of service. I will literally drive the extra mile (or five, even ten) to spend money with those folks (and I’ll also tell lots of other people about them.)

If you’re quoting a higher price for the same terrible (or worse) service - how do you expect to compete? Why should I pay for the privilege of being dissed?

(Yes, Microsoft can “get away” with crap…but they’re Microsoft; they’ve pretty much got a lock on the market. Oh, wait a minute, there’s a little company called Google...)

Related Posts:
Do You “Service” Or Care?
“I’m Too Busy To Give You A Quote.”
Small Biz Snafus
Why Aren’t They Calling Me?

Thinking you might need a ‘tude check? (This is difficult to do for yourself. I know - I’m a big bad Aries.) Consider my Entrepreneur Sanity Check, which I do by phone. Drop me a line if you’d like to know more. I won’t abuse your email address. No “special deal” or “limited time offers” junk. You’re not a “lead’ - you’re a person with a question.

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Tags: marketing, marketing troubleshooting, entrepreneur sanity check, small business marketing, customer service