Little Apple Business Review - August 2018

BUSINESS REVIEW LITTLE APPLE

August 2018, Volume 14, Issue 8, www.manhattan.org

A publication of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS SHOWCASE Join us for the

Wednesday, August 8 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Four Points by Sheraton, 530 Richards Drive Visit 50 Chamber member booths at 2018 Business Showcase. Spend time with each of our exhibitors to learn about their products and services and what they can do to help you. Enjoy good food and good company, and complete your grand prize card to win one of several grand prize packages.

Grand Prizes include: • American Airlines gift card sponsored by Manhattan Regional Airport • Stay and Play Package sponsored by Prairie Band Casino • Wellness basket including items from 9Round, Body First, Hy-Vee and more.

• Kansas basket including items from Manhattan Meat Market, Liquid Art Winery, Flint Hills Discovery Center, Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, Flint Hills Beverage, Kansas Farm Bureau and more.

Visit the Chamber website at Manhattan.org to purchase general admission tickets or email Shaylee. Please remember, Business After Hours passports will not be accepted as admission.

Contact Shaylee (Shaylee@manhattan.org), 785-776-8829 for more information or to register.

A list of all 50 exhibitors can be found online at manhattan.org.

Sponsored By:

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thank you

for reinvesting

50+ Years Charlson-Wilson Insurance Agency, Inc. 41 to 50 Years Bockers II Catering 31 to 40 Years BriggsAuto.com Family and Implant Dentistry K-State Global Campus 21 to 30 Years Alan Clark Body Shop, Inc. Alliance Property Management, Inc. Furniture Warehouse H&R Block Manko Window Systems, Inc. Midstate Mechanical, Inc. Orazem & Scalora Engineering, P.A. PBC, Inc. Westloop Business Association 15 to 20 Years Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center Custom Wood Products Five Star Vending Manhattan Housing Authority McDonald’s Ron Wilson 10 to 14 Years BD4 Distributing, Inc./Cary Company Flint Hills Community Clinic Olsson Associates 5 to 9 Years Army Community Service Blue Valley Tele-Communications/ Networks Plus Chili’s Grill & Bar Cox Bros. BBQ Garden Grove Apartments Tommy Lee Holder K-State Challenge Course K-State Super Store Fort Riley Spouses Club Parkwood Inn & Suites Riley County Health Department Saint Francis Community Services ServiceMaster Restore Shepherd’s Crossing Tindall Orthodontics

Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple® Business Review

1 to 4 Years Ampersand Business Solutions Liquid Art Winery and Estate Mathis Lueker Real Estate Paradoxx Design Paramour Coffee, LLC Premier Employment Solutions Taco John’s of Manhattan Thomas Whalen Woodway Investors, LLC WTC, Inc.

WELCOME

new members

B-4 Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service, LLC Michael Brumbaugh, Owner 8859 Green Valley Drive Ste 1 (785) 539-3473 B-4 Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service LLC services extinguishers & sells new extinguishers to businesses & individuals according to requirements by state regulations.

NextHome Unlimited Steven Burch, Owner/Broker 1212 Bluemont Ave. 785-762-2451 Nexthomeunlimited.com Facebook: Nexthomeunlimited NextHome Unlimited is the premier real estate brokerage representing Manhattan, Junction City, Fort Riley, Abilene and surrounding areas. When you hire a NextHome Unlimited agent to buy or sell your home, ensure that we have your best interests in mind and you're not just getting a 'transaction broker' as referee.

ERC Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas Reva Wywadis, Executive Director 1100 SW Wanamaker Road, Suite 20, Topeka 785-357-5171 East.ks.childcareaware.org Facebook: ChildCareAwareKS Licensed child care resource and referral agency serving families and child care programs throughout the state of Kansas including the Manhattan area.

Our mission is to support the development and early education of children by improving access to resources

The mission of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce is to foster a changing environment for business success that enhances the quality of life in our region. We market the region, advocate for business, and provide services to our members and customers.

Are you interested in being a member of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce? Give Sharla a call at 776-8829 for more information.

for families, including high-quality child care options.

Uncorked Inspiration Neal Wollenberg, Co-Owner 121 S. 4th St., Suite 106 785-236-6119 Uncorkedinspiration.com Facebook: Uncorkedinspiration A place to "uncork" your creative inspirations. Paint & Sip classes have everyone paint the same artwork, "Make & Take" craft space for spontaneous crafters, Third Thursday craft events, art gallery, private art lessons and private events like bachelorette parties or birthday parties.

Milestone Realty and Development Eric Neilson, Broker/Owner 1709 Little Kitten Ave. 785-556-5727 Milestoneks.com Full-service brokerage with an emphasis on commercial, agricultural/land and residential properties. Eric Neilson, principal broker/owner, has a passion for assisting clients whether individuals, small partnerships or large businesses with buying and selling real estate. Neilson spends time to give individual attention and perspective to each client. It’s always about people.

Via Christi Clinic Michelle Kennedy, Senior Marketing Specialist 222 N 6th St. 785-565-2900 Viachristi.org/manhattan-clinic Via Christi Clinic houses a primary care/family medicine practice,Via Christi LIGHT weight management program, Diabetes Education Center and outpatient behavioral health.

Be part of the community.

Be part of the Chamber.

Contact us:

501 Poyntz Avenue • Manhattan, KS 66502 785-776-8829 • chamber@manhattan.org www.manhattan.org TDD Kansas Relay Center: 800-766-3777

Connect with us:

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Aug 7 Aug 7

August 2018

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ribbon Cutting at NextHome Unlimited 2 p.m.

1212 Bluemont Ave. First Friday New Member Spotlight 7:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

Chamber Boardroom Ribbon Cutting at Flint Hills ATA 2 p.m.

Outside Flint Hills Discovery Center

Young Professionals Group Lunch Noon Ribbon Cutting at Uncorked Inspiration 4 p.m.

121 S. 4th St., Suite 106

Aug 8

Small Business Council 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Chamber Boardroom

Aug 8

Military Relations Committee Luncheon: MRC/JC MAC 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Riley’s Conference Center, Fort Riley

Aug 8

Business Showcase 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Four Points by Sheraton

Aug 16

Young Professionals Lunch Challenge 11:30 a.m.

Aug 22

Women in Business: Voter Education Noon - 1 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

Aug 23

Success in 60: Marketing within Your Means Noon - 1 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

Aug 23

Ribbon Cutting at 502 3:30 p.m.

103 N. 3rd St.

Aug 23

Young Professionals Hooray Thursday 5:15 p.m.

Aug 28

Member Orientation 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

Aug 31

Ribbon Cutting at Manhattan Fit Body Boot Camp 11:30 a.m.

612 Fort Riley Blvd.

Registration events.manhattan.org

SAVE THE DATE Regional Leaders Retreat January 18 & 19, 2019

Chamber Annual Meeting February 15, 2019

Manhaan

TOURISM TOPICS

PUBLISHED BY THE MANHATTAN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

August 2018

K-State fans, ready for some football?

K-State fans’ football withdrawal symptoms are about to be alleviated with opening kickoff in less than four weeks (Sept. 1). As always, Purple Power Play precedes the Saturday home opener with Aug. 30-31 activities in City Park. Kansas State University students and the public are welcomed back in rousing fashion with the marching band, Classy Cats, cheerleaders and coaches.

Vendors encircle the park and the Norvell Band Shell serves as the center of fun.

Cheer on the Cats and discover a two-night entertainment schedule that the kids will love. Go Cats!

Widgets delivers oodles of fun for families

Summer fun comes in many forms around Manhattan.

Lookin’ to ball-out-all-out? Hop on some Duo Drive,

Jumpin’ Jackpot or go for Monster Jackpot? Take your

kids and send visitors to Widgets Family Fun, where

adventure meets elation. A pool day can be counter-

balanced inside the lavish gaming center at Widgets,

located on Manhattan’s east side off Highway 24 at Heritage Square South.

“We want to make a kid’s day the best thing ever,”

Widgets co-manager Stacey Niedfeldt declares.

Laser Tag rules among the older kids that frequent

Widgets. For adolescents more inclined to arcade

space, Jurassic Park, Space Invaders and Spongebob Pineapple Arcade rule the day. Widgets is like an in-

door playground where recess goes full bore, all day

every day. Take a visit to Widgets, which just cele-

brated its first anniversary in June. Open at 10 a.m. until

8 p.m.

“Every day is a new adventure,” rejoices Niedfeldt,

who partners with twin sister Lacey at the family-owned activity center.

Make a trek to Widgets and experience heaps of adventure-packed fun. Read more Widgets exploits at

VisitManhattanKS.org/Blog.aspx

Widgets’ top arcade draws

1.

Ticket Time

3.

Jurassic Park

2.

4.

5.

SpongeBob Pineapple Arcade

Space Invaders Ticket Monster

Wine Cellar Party & Int’l Cabernet Day presented by Harry’s On the heels of a successful National Wine and Cheese Day celebration persists another terrific Somm Series event; nothing but the best for Harry’s customers at the state’s very best fine dining restaurant.

Harry's unstocks its wine cellar for customers to sample delicious, unique and highly desired wines (Aug. 16, Unstock the Wine Cellar Party; Aug. 30, International Cabernet Day).

Patrons discover the full-bodied Cabernet is the most popular wine in the U.S. Sample quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon with Certified Sommelier Cristina Milostan and Bar Manager Amanda Caldas, who would both travel to the Bordeaux region of France to ensure that these are fun events for all Harry’s patrons.

Upcoming in September, keep your tasting scents attuned for a Bourbon Heritage event and west coast wine tasting event. Check out the Visit Manhattan blog for more Somm Series celebrations: VisitManhattanKS.org/Blog.aspx

Sultry music and hot stage acts stoke 2018-19 McCain season

After Labor Day, see bison chase dinosaurs out of Manhattan

Venture toward musical perfection this season at McCain Auditorium. Single show tickets to McCain Performance Season are now on sale, as October alone ushers in the seductive voices of Emmylou Harris and Diana Krall (above).

Counting down to the final four weeks of Be The Dinosaur at Flint Hills Discovery Center. This highly interactive realitytype computer simulation brings kids and adults into the Cretaceous Period plains where T-Rex and Triceratops once roamed and were the highest form of predator. Sept. 3, Labor Day, is the final showing for the excellent dinosaur exhibition.

In September, be prepared for Bison: The Great American Icon and the four-month exhibition focused on prairie conservation efforts at Flint Hills Discovery Center.

• Aug. 17, Science on the Terrace: Astronomy Viewing Night, 9 p.m. Free event and guests encouraged to bring telescopes.

Chick Corea launches the 2018-19 season on Sept. 13. Corea performs a stirring vigilette performance with Carlitos del Puerto and Marcus Gilmore.

In November, the immensely talented Wynonna Judd picks up from the sultry-voiced Krall, and hands off early 2019 performances to STOMP, The Hot Sardines and Legally Blonde, The Musical. Don’t miss an entertaining moment of the ’18-19 season at McCain Auditorium on the Kansas State University campus.

• Manhattan Arts 2018 stage open: The binary bewilderment of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde characters take the stage Aug. 10-12 at Manhattan Arts Center, 1520 Poyntz Avenue. The doctor’s dark secrets hang in the balance of this gothic themed musical. In September, MAC turns 180 degrees to the elegance of Eliza Doolittle and My Fair Lady. Purchase tickets at Manhattanarts.org.

Do the Zoo for cold brews If you’ve found it’s simply too difficult to find enough time to gain full enjoyment from a compact three hours of Brew at the Zoo, consider the VIP upgrade for Aug. 18. More time. More food. More brew!

Red State Blues Band rules the roost at 2018 Brew, with home-brewed styles of blues music to keep your toes tapping all evening. As many as 15-18 brewers are expected to pour suds with food catered by Hy-Vee for eighth annual Brew at the Zoo, a benefit for Friends of Sunset Zoo. The event begins at 5 p.m.; get in 90 minutes earlier with VIP tickets. See ya at the zoo! Sunsetzoo.com/Brew has additional details on the event and registration information.

Bleeding Kansas race intends to crush gravel not spirits Road course bicycle races bring out hearty competitors along a similar avenue as endurance racers and multi-sport athletes. On Sept. 22, Bleeding Kansas Gravelduro aims to bring out racers, enthusiasts and anyone looking to join in the celebration of the inaugural race. Bleeding Kansas will be a stern test of endurance with short, steep climbs and thundering, multi-mile, Flint Hills descents.

The 100-mile gravelduro – an offshoot of enduro mountain bike racing -- will run along fairly obscure routes but these wayward roads are known to challenge riders south of Manhattan. Race organizers want to ensure the finish line at 3rd & Poyntz is filled with revelers and celebrants to shower each racer in adulation.

A street party deluxe as riders storm to the finish!

Register and find more racing info on Bleeding Kansas Gravelduro at MHKgravelduro.com

Motivate to marathon at Tuttle Park

Move over Bill Snyder Highway Half, you’ve got company on the Manhattan running calendar. Early in 2018, Manhattan Running Company announced the inaugural Little Apple Marathon. Distance runners rejoice! The date is fast approaching. Less than 90 days if you’ve procrastinated on the training schedule.

The stopwatch is ticking before the Nov. 3 event at Tuttle Creek State Park outside Manhattan. If the half-marathon distance makes more sense, then 13.1 miles it is! Both distances are an option, as well as 5 kilometers. The marathon course meanders around River Pond campground to Beach Drive and along the Big Blue River on the Western Heritage Trail. Runners can expect perfect 50-ish temperatures on race day in November, as is the MHK norm.

Get those Flint Hills conditioning runs scheduled for the first Little Apple Marathon. Details at Littleapplemarathon.com.

Cultural events

Flint Hills Discovery Center

• Be The Dinosaur through Sept. 3. Day in the life of dinosaur includes hightech videography and virtual reality.

• Retro Gaming Night, 7 p.m. Aug. 24.

Classic gaming stations, video-game tournament and computer science showcase.

• Science on the Terrace “Astronomy Viewing Nights,” 9 p.m. Aug. 17. View moon, planets and stars through 8-inch reflecting and 4-inch refracting telescopes.

Guests welcome to bring telescopes.

• Splash of Science, noon Aug. 10. Free 10-minute science demonstration, Blue Earth Plaza (water station).

FlintHillsDiscovery.org Art Galleries

• Golden Valley Endless Skyway through Aug. 18, Strecker Nelson West Gallery. snwgallery.com • Jam Session: Musical Selections through Aug. 25; Chipping the Block, Painting the Silk (Norma Bassett Hall), through Dec. 15; Beach Museum of Art. Beach.k-state.edu • Encircling Vastness by Shawn Skabelund through Oct. 14, Volland Store Gallery. thevollandstore.com Music

• Landshark Summer Music Series: The Love Handles, 7 p.m. Aug. 9; The Santiago Brothers, 7 p.m. Aug. 23; Slow Burn, 7 p.m. Sept. 6; Coco Bolos. Cocobolos.com • Wheeler Walker, 7 p.m. Aug. 10; Reckless Kelly, 9 p.m. Sept. 7; RC McGraw’s. McGrawsManhattan.com • Easton Corbin, 8:30 p.m. Aug. 24; Ben Haggard, 8:30 p.m. Sept. 7; The Manhattan. thehatksu.com Theater

• Jekyll & Hyde, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10-11 (2 p.m. Aug. 12 matinee), Manhattan Arts Center. Manhattanarts.org • Hoo Haw, Aug. 10-12, Columbian Theatre. Live music and performers.

Columbiantheatre.com Special Events

• Unstock the Wine Cellar Party, 7 p.m. Aug. 16; International Cabernet Day, 7 p.m. Aug. 30; Harry’s. Harrysmanhattan.com • Brew at the Zoo, 5 p.m. Aug. 18, Sunset Zoo. Sunsetzoo.com/brew • Feast of the Fields, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 25, River Creek Farms.

Feastofthefields.net • Purple Power Play, 6 p.m. Aug. 30-31, City Park. Purplepowerplay.com

August 2018 8

2018 Business Showcase 4:30 PM Four Points by Sheraton

8

9

17 K-State Soccer vs. Saint Louis 7 PM K-State Soccer Stadium

K-State Soccer vs. Minnesota 7 PM K-State Soccer Stadium

18 Brew at the Zoo 5 PM Sunset Zoo

Landshark Music Series: The Love Handles 7 PM Coco Bolos

19 K-State Soccer vs. Oakland 1 PM K-State Soccer Stadium

10 Wheeler Walker Jr. The Dragon Energy Tour 9 PM RC McGraw's 10-12 Jekyll & Hyde 7:30 PM Manhattan Arts Center 11 Just 'TRI' It: Youth & Adult Triathlon 7 AM City Park 16 Unstock the Wine Cellar Party 7 PM Harry's

21 Mind Games: Throwback Edition (Hypnotist Show) 7 PM Grand Ballroom, Second floor, K-State Student

®

24-25 Flint Hills Festival of Wines 24: 6:30 PM at Bluemont Hotel 25: 9:30 PM at Colbert Hills 25 Feast of the Fields 5:30 PM River Creek Farms 30 International Cabernet Day 7 PM Harry's 30-31 Purple Power Play 6 PM Manhattan City Park

Union

August . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anticipated Attendance Numbers Conferences/Meetings/Reunions

Biosecurity Research Institute 14th Annual Biosafety

6

Symposium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 10

Flint Hills Regional Council Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

22

Kansas Department of Agriculture Summit . . . . . . . . . .50

26

Kansas Department of Education training . . . . . . . . . . .50

27

Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association Annual Meeting & Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Sporting Events 18

Kansas Golf Association KWGA Tournament . . . . . . . . .40

18

Midwest USSSA Men's D State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

25

Midwest USSSA Mixed State Tournament . . . . . . . . . .100

Special Events 25

Feast of the Fields at River Creek Farms . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau Staff Karen Hibbard, Director karen@manhattan.org

23 Landshark Music Series: The Santiago Brothers 7 PM Coco Bolos 23 K-State Soccer vs. Drake 7 PM K-State Soccer Stadium

Upcoming Conferences, Sports and Special Events in The Little Apple

Marcia Rozell, Sports/Leisure Sales Manager marcia@manhattan.org

Tony Ballard, Convention Sales Manager tony@manhattan.org

Jill Carlson, Service Coordinator jill@manhattan.org

Visit Manhattan VisitManhattanKS.org for a complete

501 Poyntz Avenue • Manhattan, KS 66502 (785) 776-8829

listing of events

Stampede volunteers: Big anks !

Neal Farmer, Co-Chair

volunteers. With the assistance of these volunteers, Visit Manhattan staff collected thou-

Brad Everett, Hotel

Ex-Officio Members:

Scott Garrett, Sports

Lyle Butler, Chamber

Visit Manhattan sends mega-thanks to our 2018 Country Stampede information booth sands of surveys to measure the three-day concert’s impact on the Manhattan community.

Thanks for making Stampede such a success this year to these volunteers: Jim Adams, Shaylee Arpin, Tyann Cox, Steve Freed, Lisa Githens, Lori Herrman, Carol Horting, Arlene Irvin, Dennis Irvin, Kim Keller, Kylie Kinley, Dave Martinez, Tonnie Martinez, Linda Mays, Vicki McKiddy, Debbie Mercer, Debbie Owens, Briana Raymond, Ron Raymond, Charlene Redman, Judy Roland, Clyde Scott, John Staiert, Angie Stokes, Jerome Stokes, Carly Suther, Brad Tenkley, Gaylinn Tenkley and Jean Tidwell.

Manhattan CVB Steering Committee

Ben Sigle, Co-Chair

Bernie Haney, Attraction Dennis Hulsing, Hotel Todd Holmberg, Entertainment

Danielle Tegtmeier, Attraction

President Matt Crocker, Chamber Board Chair

Colin Noble, Hotel

Mike Dodson, Mayor Pro Tem

Kevin Peirce, Retail

Eddie Eastes, City of

Kevin Roberts, KSU Wayne Rouse, Entertainment

Manhattan Karen Hibbard, Convention & Visitors Bureau Director

Page 7

Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple® Business Review

More than 200 members joined Whoville, Inc., to celebrate Christmas in July! Celebrating the spirit of the holiday, guests were joined by Santa, a Christmas light tunnel and a mini version of Festival of Lights’ new tree.

Members were delighted with multiple giveaway items including complimentary oil changes, lamp, echo dot and more. Along with receiving presents from Santa and cookies to go, members had the chance to take a virtual reality sleigh ride.

August 2018

Utilize Kansas PTAC to start bids for gov’t contracts

Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center helps with bid preparation to secure businesses’ consideration for government contracts. Kansas PTAC Lead Center on the Wichita State University campus and Topeka Area Subcenter assist with bid preparation and comprehension of forms, regulations and required certifications. Kansas PTAC database includes 100,000 military specs/standards.

Make the procurement system work for you, with Assistant Program Director Scott Knapp (Wichita) and Subcenter Director Kristi Dunn (Topeka).

• 2017 procurement contracts exceeded $445 billion • 23 percent small business goal target • 71 percent of federal purchases are supplies/equipment or services • Counseling services include bidding opp’s and proposal preparation - Training classes offered - 1-year operation minimum; most businesses see results after 3 years - Government desires: • Quality products/services • Deadlines established and met • Competitive pricing - Government-estimated projects less than $150,000 set aside for small business (amount expected to increase to $250,000) Studies show that successful government contractors take 20-21 months to excel on their first contract. Bottom line, Kansas PTAC knowledge will help you surpass this standard. For additional information, search Kansas PTAC at Wichita.edu. Kansas PTAC can research and provide required documentation for minimal or zero fee.

Join us for a new event

Thank you to Heather Peterson, Architect One; JJ

Kuntz, Bluemont Hotel; Malissa Bourbina, MATC; and Janet Lowell, Central National Bank; as these members volunteered at registration.

Coffee Break Tuesdays The business brewing hour

Beginning Sept. 11, join us for a weekly opportunity to enjoy coffee and connect with the local business community as well as current and prospective members. Bring your coffee cup and wear your name tag for additional prize entries.

Page 8

Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple® Business Review

August 2018

Ribbon Cuttings

Reliable Transfer & Storage, Inc. Andy Newkirk,VP & General Manager 414 S. 5th St. 785-776-4887 Reliablemhk.com

Manhattan Eyecare, LLC Tara Hake, Optometrist 1430 Poyntz Ave. 785-537-2420 Manhattaneyecare.com

BlueFire Med LLC Dr. Andrew Pope, MD, Physician/Co-Owner 2314 Anderson Ave. 785-539-9218 Bluefiremed.com

Good customer service isn’t always good enough

Back in the early ‘90s, Patty Smyth and Don Henley recorded a song called “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough.” The point of the song is that although love is a big thing, sometimes love isn’t enough for the relationship to work out.

Customer service has been shopped around town as the panacea for every business; the unique selling position for everyone that helps you differentiate yourself from the competition. And while I’m not arguing that this can be very effective, it’s kind of like love in that if everyone is providing good customer service, good is no longer good enough.

It’s what’s expected. Now everyone has to be great and find moments to delight and surprise people by sending them special gifts just for being them. Then that becomes an expectation too.

Our consumer expectations around the importance of personalization have exploded. While there’s a plethora of bad

customer service, good customer service is our new average.

When good customer service isn’t enough I’m not suggesting you should give up trying to provide good customer service. I’m saying “good” is yesterday’s “average.” If you want customer service to be your business’ unique selling proposition it needs to be stellar and unable to be duplicated. That’s a tall order but you can begin with these ideas: Customer service can never overcome incompetency First, great customer service will not make up for an incompetent staff. Someone who’s exceptionally nice but gives you the run around because they don’t know what they’re doing won’t bring customers in over and over. Train your employees well from day one and remind them not to say, “today’s my first day”.

The customer doesn’t care.

Every employee is in customer service The second thing that’s important to note is that everyone is in customer service.Yes, you may have a department or person dedicated to it but your marketing team, your receptionist, your valet, and anyone associated with your business is now in customer service. That’s why they need to be trained accordingly.

Customer service doesn’t cover a shoddy service or product (or does it?)

This idea is debatable and depends on the customer and what you’re selling. There are some products or services that once you’re in, it’s a real pain to switch so generally people are willing to put up with a lot before they end their business relationship with you, like banking for instance. Then there are others, like the restaurant industry, where one bad experience means you’ll never see that customer again.

Differentiating yourself through customer service To truly stand out in this field you must know your service or product.You must train everyone on staff on what it means to delight your customers, and you must understand your industry and how easy you are to leave. The next step between great service and extraordinary service is using data to personalize your approach and meet your customers’ needs before they even realize what those needs are.

Remember, you’re not shooting for good anymore. You’re shooting for “share on social media” awesome.

Christina R. Green teaches small businesses, chambers, and associations how to connect to their audience through content for higher conversions and greater loyalty. Her articles have appeared in Associations North (formerly Midwest Society of Association Executives’) Magazine, NTEN.org, AssociationTech, and Socialfish. She is a regular blogger at Frankjkenny.com and the Event Manager Blog.