Finding Out What Customers Think

Surveying customers on the cheap to improve business

Telephone interviews are an inexpensive and fast way to getinformation from your customers. Ask clearly worded brief questions- people don't like to spend a lot of time on the phoneanswering questions.

You may learn more through a direct-mail survey. It needn'tbe elaborate; you can even use a postcard. But don't ask morethan 15 questions.

With today's technology, you can conduct fax or e-mailinterviews. The same criteria apply here - be clear andconcise - and always thank customers in advance for theirinput.

Always remember, the most important thing is not how you ask thequestions but how you apply what you learn.

Excerpted from Get Smart: 365 Tips To Boost Your EntrepreneurialIQ

Editor's Pick

The Dark Side of Pay Transparency — And What to Do If You Find Out You're Being Underpaid
Thinking of a Career Change? Here Are 4 Steps You Can Take to Get There.
A Founder Who Bootstrapped Her Jewelry Business With Just $1,000 Now Sees 7-Figure Revenue Because She Knew Something About Her Customers Nobody Else Did
Everything You Need to Know About Franchise Law
Business News

Amazon Is Starting to Let Customers Know What Products Are Returned Often

The e-commerce giant has begun flagging certain items that were frequently sent back.

Marketing

International Marketing: How To Maximize Your Global Reach

International marketing can be a massive project and intimidating at first. Read this article to explore the ins and outs of the process and learn how to take your brand global.

Starting a Business

How To Sell on Etsy in 2023: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to start selling your handmade goods online? This article outlines how to start and grow your business using Etsy.

Business News

'Crying Northwestern Kid' Turned His Viral Fan Moment Into a Successful Harvard Admissions Essay. He Says the Experience Taught Him About Empathy.

Six years ago, Phillips was watching No. 8 Northwestern take on No. 1 Gonzaga during March Madness when he became a meme.