It always feels a bit dicey flipping open the yellow pages to look for a service provider when you’re in a pinch. It’s one reason I love word-of mouth referrals and consumer rating sites like yelp.com. Rather than buying services sight-unseen, you’re able to get a sense of the company’s or person’s performance before hiring them.
I much prefer working with people when they come to me with high recommendations from a friend or trusted website. People have given me good ratings at yelp.com, for instance. And because of that, I’ve found relationships with new clients.
I’ve developed something of my own yelp.com. After all, an important part of my business is referring clients to reliable, honest people to help them with everything from tree trimming and small maintenance projects to bigger jobs, like bathroom renovations or redecorating. Thus, I’m always looking for the names of great service providers.
Before recommending anyone, I always do my own screening, either by hiring them for a job myself or by interviewing them. I always zero in on their view of and commitment to customer service. I want to be sure they’re focused on the client, not just on the money they’ll make.
Just last week, for instance, I needed some wood chips put around some trees at a house. I interviewed one landscaping company that gave me a $1,000 estimate. The other person gave a $100 quote. He also had the chips in his truck and was able to do the job right away. Now that’s going the extra mile and really delivering.
If you ever need help finding people-movers, gardeners, painters, roofers, and so forth-don’t hesitate to call me.
Also, keep in mind that I’m always happy to add new businesses to my referral list. Right now, I could really use the names of some good movers, painters and house cleaners.
If you have recommendations, please send an e-mail that includes their contact information-name, phone, website and e-mail address. And if you’ve had an especially good experience with a person or company, please jot down a few comments and let me know what makes them so terrific or how they went the extra mile for you.
If you are interested in knowing more about businesses that I have reviewed (good and bad), you can find my them here at http://www.alexw.yelp.com.
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