How to Identify Your Target Customers
The clock is ticking on our 20-minute business model. Today's task: Describing potential customers for the new business - in five minutes or less. Read more
Customers
Recent Customers Articles
3 Smarter Ways to Raise Prices
An increase in price, if done correctly, can actually make your current customers feel more appreciated. Read more
Turn Prospects Into Customers 
Grow your client base. Advice from Jenny Fleiss, co-founder of Rent the Runway, and Scott Gerber, founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council. Watch video
6 Smart Tricks to Get Better Feedback
Want to know what your customers really think? Go beyond focus groups and try some of these clever techniques. Read more
Do You Always Tell Employees the Truth? You Should.
Even if you face something as difficult and stressful as having to close a business, you have only one choice: Do it badly, or do it right. Read more
Advantages of a Woman-Owned Business
Megan Duckett, founder of Sew What, answers questions on manufacturing, trading services, and outsourcing. Watch video
How to Get Loyal Clients
Megan Duckett, founder of Sew What, talks about how she keeps high-profile clients coming back for more. Watch video
6 Most Overrated Management Concepts
These common buzzwords hide a world of sloppy thinking. Don't get stuck in any of these jargon traps. Read more
Why You're Not Really the Boss
Even the boss has to report to somebody. You may think you work for yourself, but these are the people you really work for. Read more
Keep Your Friends Close & Your Customers Closer
Letting customer relationships stagnate is dangerous for your long-term health. Here are three ways to let your customers know you care. Read more
How to Deliver Value to Your Customers
Leadership isn't just about answers, it's about asking the right questions says Robert Kaplan, professor of management at Harvard Business School. Watch video
What Makes Customers Tick
Having a frank discussion about what works, what doesn't and what your customers want from you is key to a successful business. Read more
5 Ways to Become an Invaluable Business Partner
Building strong business relationships is vital to the success of your business. Here's how to become the person your customers or partners can't do without. Read more
When to Cut a Customer
How much leeway should you give a client who's not paying his bills? Read more
4 Easy Steps for Handling Complaints
No matter how well you run your business, you'll eventually face an unhappy customer--or employee. Make sure you handle the situation well. Read more
3 Ways to Win the RFP Rat Race
If your sales force is spending a lot of time on RFPs, but not bringing in a lot of new business, then you might need to consider new investments in your bus... Read more
Dealing With the Oprah Effect
Carol's Daughter founder Lisa Price talks about handling the massive influx of customers after Oprah Winfrey featured the beauty brand on her famous talk show. Watch video
OtterBox CEO: Why I Don't Use Social Media
Social media has become a powerful tool for all businesses, but a firm belief that 'if you can't do it well, you shouldn't do it at all' is behind my absence... Read more
Build the Community Your Start-up Needs
Don't underestimate the benefit of people coming together around your start-up. Here's how ours nurtured our idea and built our company. Read more
How to Schmooze Without Being Sleazy
Schmoozing gets a bad rap, but it shouldn't. Use these nine guidelines to become a master networker. Read more
What Customers Say--and What They Really Mean
Knowing what users really want is critical to your business. Here's a translation guide for some common comments. Read more
Talk to Your Customers; You Might Learn Something
CEOs need to put themselves out there to see what their customers are saying. And the best way is to communicate with them directly. Read more
When Customers Have Had Enough Innovation
Can there be too much innovation? Yes, and smartphone manufacturers had to learn this fact the hard way. Read more
6 Sales Tips From Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
Competition is fierce inside this ancient, 5,000-shop market. Here's how the best merchants stand out--and what you can learn from them. Read more
What Your Customer Really Wants (It's Not What You Think)
Before you blame your employees for a strategy gone awry or spend a lot of money on a new one, read this. Read more
Brand Messaging: Don't Get Lost in Translation
When people don't understand you, they tune you out. Make sure your customers get what you're saying. Read more
5 Ways to Alienate a Customer
These five dumb mistakes drive customers away. Fortunately, they're all easily avoided. Read more
How to Get (& Keep) Customers
Selling tips from IdeaPaint's Jeff Avallon and Scott Gerber, founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council. Watch video
World's Most Important Business Question
One simple question can determine whether your company will succeed or fail. Make sure you and your team are constantly asking it. Read more
10 Biggest Consumer Complaints
Got a consumer-facing business? Here's a top 10 list you don't want to land on. Read more
8 Customer Service Sins to Avoid
In a recent customer service survey, United Airlines came in dead last. Here's why--and how not to suffer the same fate. Read more
Whiny Customers: 5 Types of Complaints (& How to Handle Them)
Thanks to social media, complaining has never been easier. Here are a few types of cranky customers--and some good ways to handle them. Read more
Why You Don't Need Salespeople
Imagine a world in which you were able to fire all of your salespeople and still achieve consistent revenue growth. How would you pull it off? Read more
Secret to Outstanding Customer Service
Growth and scale are typically the enemy of great, personal customer service--except in this case. Read more
5 Steps to Scaling Beyond the Founder
Most entrepreneurs are directly involved in nurturing customer relationships. But once the business grows beyond a few key clients you'll need new growth tac... Read more