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In the latest review on my excessvoice.com site, I take a look at 'SnagIt' from Techsmith. This is a simple, inexpensive program that allows you to capture, edit, save and paste anything from your screen: windows, screens, images, cascading menus...even video clips. I use it all the time to capture web site pages and images for use in reports and PowerPoint presentations.
You can read my review of SnagIt here.
The latest issue of my newsletter is now online, including an article on the importance to 'frontloading' your most important messages to the first screen of each site page. All too often, the 'meat' of a page is one or two screens down, and people just don't know it's there - and don't have the confidence to scroll down and find it.
Just a silly question - and a promotional ploy on my part, in support of my involvement with the Coffee and Tea Warehouse web site.
But if you like the idea of winning 2lbs of coffee or a box of Numi Tea bags, check out this issue of our newsletter and send in your answer soon.
Separately, as I work more on marketing the site...I'm toying with the idea of creating a separate weblog. Might be interesting to have a daily blog that follows my various ideas and plans, seeing what works and what doesn't. What do you think?
The most recent isssue of the Excess Voice newsletter is now online - including my latest article on writing for the web: 'Help, Help, Help, Sell'.
In my last post I announced that I had become a partner in an online tea and coffee store.
A major reason behind my decision lay in the nature and character of the founder, Russ Lumsden.
When it comes to customer service, he has perfect pitch.
Here's how customer service correspondence should be handled -- without the participation of lawyers, terms and conditions, ifs or buts:
First email from customer:
On March 23rd, I ordered 4 boxes of tea (Order no. 6247) via your website. I have tasted each of the 4 teas and have enjoyed 3 of them. The only tea that doesn't meet with my satisfaction is the Ruby Chai. It is far too alkaline for my taste. I would like to have it replaced with another box of the (Numi) Green African Bush tea.
Thank you.Reply from Russ Lumsden:
Sorry to hear the Ruby Chai wasn't to your liking.
We will be pleased to send you a another box of Green African Bush Tea no charge. Its not really worth it to send the Ruby Chai back to our warehouse. Please arrange to give it to some worthwhile charity who might like it.Thank you,
Second email from customer:
Thank you very much! What service!!! I'll certainly be ordering from you again sometime in the near future.
And there you have it. A very happy customer. And all it cost was a short email and the wholesale cost of a small box of tea bags.
Here's a secret for you. Don't stress about all the details on your site. Don't fuss over the technology and design. If your customers like you and trust you, they'll forgive you a host of imperfections. Of course, if they don't like and trust you, all the high-tech and design gizmos won't help you one little bit.
I've alwys wanted to be involved in a business that deals in physical products, not just words and ideas. And I also like the idea of applying my marketing expertise in way where the bottom line is connected to my own wallet. In other words, to put my money where my mouth is.
Well, I have found something. And it feels good.
Now, in addition to my writing, speaking and consulting business - I'm also a partner in an online coffee and tea store.
More on me, coffee beans and, yes, some really good wholesale prices here.
Or go directly to where the coffee is.
