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Customer Service is really all any of us have to offer. Service is what separates the weak from the strong. As the internet has become more prevalent in our everyday business operations, customer service still needs to be the central focus of every transaction. Remember that consumers are continuing to transact business in the brick and mortar stores. These businesses offer personal human contact and caring customer service. Make sure that your internet business does not reduce your customer to a name and number (more often now, just a number). Today's technology and automation can oftentimes hinder your business service more than improve it. Have you ever been stuck in the voice mail merry-go-round...not too merry is it? Talking to a real person on the other end of the line is critical to customer care. Train your staff to be empathetic towards customer needs and respond quickly to resolve issues or problems that might arise. Know your customers in a personal way. If possible, call them directly and thank them for their business. Mail them a short, hand-written thank you note – not e-mailed – actually mailed via USPS, it makes a big difference. Maintaining human contact with customers is no less important today than it was twenty years ago. Equip your staff with the resources they need to establish strong, personal relationships with your clients. When you empower your staff, your company can stand strong.