5/03/2009

Home Based Businesses for College Students

If you are in college, a question that is forever on your mind is “how can I get some cash?” We all know friends who are waiters, work in the college bookstore, or drive to the local mall every day for work.  If minimum wage doesn’t appeal to you, though, what are your options? You need something that’s flexible enough to work around your class schedule, but makes you enough cash to get the things you need and want.  The solution is likely a home based business.
 
There are many options for home based businesses for college students. One of the most practical ideas, if you have the grades, is to start a tutoring business.  If hired through your campus, you may have to stick to a schedule and you’ll likely get paid at much lower rates than if you branch out on your own. By making it your own business, you can set your own rates, choose which times you work, and even choose your own clients. Don’t want to tutor that girl in chemistry who’s hair you imagine catching fire in the Bunsen burner? You don’t have to. You’re the boss.
 
Don’t limit yourself to the practical, though. Tutoring can only make you so much money and you can only make that money while you’re actually working. Maybe you’d like a passive income? There are many online home based business opportunities that are perfect for college students such as affiliate marketing, if you have sales skills, and freelance writing if that’s more your style.  Have an opinion on everything? Start a blog. Not only can blogs bring in ad revenue, but you can be paid to review sites and products once your blog is established (anywhere from 30 to 90 days old, depending on the paid reviews company you choose).
 
So while your roommate is out in the real world making chump change while making his way through college, sit down at your computer and think of all the possibilities for a home based business that you’d be good at. There’s something for every personality and work style, so get creative.  Your wallet will thank y

4/30/2009

Making Customer Service Your Priority Could Mean a Huge Increase in Profit for You

When it comes to the work you do, no matter what kind it is, customer service should always be your top priority. There are so many things involved with running a successful business but maintaining high customer care is an essential part of the equation. If you allow your standards for customer service drop then you are likely to find yourself having some business troubles. When the quality of service that your customers receive is no long of importance to you, you are going to find that your services are no longer all that important to the customer.
 
You will without a doubt lose customers because of poor customer service. With so many competitors out there, your customers will have no problem finding another company to take their business and loyalty to. So how does one make sure that the customer's know that they are respected, appreciated, and valued? The first and foremost thing that must be done is to always talk to your customers with a smile. Even when you are on a phone, your smile will be able to be heard through your voice.
 
Try to show your appreciation to your customers through reward programs or coupons. When it comes to free or discounted stuff there is nothing better in the mind of your typical customer. This way you are making your customer service skills work for both you and your customer. Start up a referral program and for every new customer that comes to you as a referral from an existing customer, your customer will receive something. This will show how much they are appreciated and you will have gained new business that is likely to return.
 
If you pride yourself on good customer service, you will, in return get something tat is priceless to any company or corporation. Word of mouth advertising is not only the most effective form of advertising, but it is also free. It is the ultimate reward for excellent customer service and if you can accomplish that, your profits will sky rocket!