Everywhere you look these days, you read about the doom and gloom of this economy.  Some are calling it a recession, others a depression...regardless of the title, your customers have less discretionary income right now--that's a fact that's hard to argue.

And, that's what matters.

In every "recession-proof" strategy article I read, the author stresses the importance of doing things that make your business stand out...one of which is to provide top-notch customer service.  In order for your customers to spend their dollars with you...you really need to provide VALUE for them.  And to do so, you need to stretch the ways you're used to doing business, and think outside the box.

I think the phrase "customer service" has become too generic.  Your customers are looking for service, that's for sure.  And, they'll look to your level of service as a qualifying factor when selecting a service provider.

However, it's no longer enough to just provide exemplary SERVICE....what you need to provide is an exemplary EXPERIENCE.

Providing a top-notch CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE means more than just providing service.  It means taking a look at your customer process...from the moment your customer makes contact with your brand, all the way through the follow-up process after a purchase...and providing an experience that your customers can't get anywhere else.

This means taking a look at your communications, your advertisements, your image....at the speed and efficiency of your internal processes....at your employees' ability to connect with your customers.....at the promotions and incentives you provide...AT THE ENTIRE PACKAGE...and making sure that the entire experience exceeds your customers' expectations.

Are you, or is anyone you know doing this?