When was the last time you expressed gratitude to your team? What about your customers? Your business partners? And I mean really expressed gratitude by going beyond a simple thank you. Although it’s critically important to say thank you, what people really need is to have their unique contributions recognized. When people feel valued, they also feel empowered […]
Angie Barnett
Posted inReal Estate
Consumer trends for home improvement
From 2019 to 2020, consumer interest in businesses related to the home improvement industry showed strong growth in the Better Business Bureau® directory. After spending much of the past 12 months at home, consumers are beginning to notice all the ways their houses aren’t fulfilling their current needs. Now, they’re in the market for professionals […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Investing in customer trust
Information travels faster than ever and a person’s worst moments can come to define them. Because scandals spread quickly on the internet, indecent behavior by organizations and public figures appears more common than ever before. And it’s making people increasingly suspicious. Fortunately, the 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals businesses have a better reputation than government […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Scams target business with fake checks
News of promising vaccine trials offers a glimmer of hope to struggling small businesses and families, indicating that we might soon see a return to relative normalcy. As vaccine news begins to shape your 2021 business plan, BBB serving Greater Maryland warns that scammers are already finding ways to take advantage of the hopeful outlook. […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Troubling trends for customer reviews
Online customer reviews tell the story of your business. When customers describe positive experiences and offer high ratings, they paint a picture of a trustworthy, dedicated and consistent brand. Building a solid reputation requires diligence and patience, but sadly Better Business Bureau® of Greater Maryland is finding some disreputable businesses are using devious tactics to […]
Posted inCyber
Data security tips to boost confidence
What do Twitter, Yahoo, eBay and Equifax all have in common? Each of these companies, plus many others, have fallen victim to cyberattacks, exposing the private information of millions of customers. Hackers target business data in search of valuable information like credit card accounts, passwords and social security numbers. As corporate data breaches become increasingly […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
How to choose a trustworthy digital vendor
As small business owners, we’re always in search of new technologies that cut costs and save time. With social media management systems, we can schedule weeks of digital content in advance, while HR tools allow us to house timesheets, benefit information and important forms all in one place. In fact, there are so many digital […]
Posted inBusiness News, Columns, Coronavirus
How to reopen and keep customer trust
First impressions are key, and businesses should treat this time of reopening like a fresh introduction. Reintroduce yourself to customers as a business that prioritizes health and safety. Whether that means expanding telecommunications, offering delivery, or enhancing our cleanliness standards, we have a responsibility to our customers to champion health and be transparent about any […]
Posted inBusiness News
Consumer trust takes work, but it’s worth it
It wasn’t so long ago that managing your business’ reputation was easy. You opened up shop, provided good service and hoped that people would return. Thanks to the plethora of review sites on the Internet, you must stay on your toes to make sure your businesses’ reputation stays solid and that people trust you. How […]
Posted inColumns
Check before you write that check
Someone in your organization gets an email they think is from the big boss. Following orders, that employee does what they are told. They might be asked to go buy gift cards or wire money to “their boss.” After all, the boss needs that money quickly and the employee wants to do the right thing. […]