With over twenty
thousand webhosting companies competing for new customers,
there's been a lot of speculation over what people are
looking for when they purchase hosting.
There are the obvious answers, of course - reliable
servers, lots of features, reasonable prices, etc.
One thing that is almost always overlooked though,
and I believe most people are looking for this, is "relationship".
After eight years in this business, it's been my experience
that cultivating good relationships with my clients
is the best way to keep existing customers and attract
new business.
I once attended a seminar put on by a business coach.
One thing he said that has always stuck with me is that
'business' is just something we use as an excuse for
interacting with people we enjoy.
There's a lot of truth to that. We like to do business
with people and companies which we like to do business
with - not necessarily those which give the best price
or even those that do the best job.
That's where I think most webhosting companies have
missed the boat.
While we can't ignore essential elements of the business,
like uptime and security, we must always remember that
those faceless clients who subscribe to our services
are real, living, breathing people with very real feelings,
worries, and concerns. The better we can get to know
our clients on a personal basis, the better we can address
those worries and concerns.
Aside from the monetary benefits of fostering an atmosphere
of goodwill, there are some really wonderful personal
benefits as well.
I never know what my day may bring when I sit down
at my telephone. Perhaps I'll hear from James, our hollywood
celebrity, or maybe I'll talk to Ken, a retired state
trooper. Maybe John, a Los Angeles talk show host, will
give me a ring. Perhaps I'll spend a few minutes chatting
with Richard in San Antonio or Andy in The Bronx. I
never know - but I'm always delighted to find out -
just who is on the phone when I answer.
If you truly enjoy other people, it will show in your
voice, and the person on the other end of the line will
hang up feeling that someone who really cares paid attention
to them and their problem.
Here's the catch, though. You can't fake it. People
are incredibly perceptive, and they'll immediately brand
you as a phony if you're not sincere.
If, however, you really do like your clients and enjoy
interacting with them - the benefits to them and you
will exceed anything you can possibly imagine.
Copyright 2006 Larry Dozier
Larry Dozier is part owner of A1 Web Server - http://a1webserver.com/
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