Looking at what business and service to use online isn’t as hard as it once was. It doesn’t really matter what service you are looking for, just that you need something done and someone to do it. In the world of Web 2.0 and beyond, the question that nags at all of us while we are looking for a good service provider is, ” Is this a good service? Will I get ripped off? How do others feel about this business, really?”
Back in the day it was difficult to get real information about a company that didn’t come from some “official” source like the BBB. That’s all find and good, but what about all the info, letters, and opinions that never made it to the BBB? That info is now at hand on the web.
Don’t ever feel like you don’t have a choice in finding out more about a company, because you do.
Suggestions for finding info about a company:
- Google them (the obvious first)
- Visit Forums relevant to your needs
- Checkout epionions.com (everything reviewed + yoou can shop)
- Checkout iKarma
- AngiesList (for contractors)
- Read blogs about them
This list can get really long(please add one you know of or are part of in the comments).
With all the info out in cyberspace there really is no reason to not do a little research about a company before you plop down your hard earned cash.
On the Other side: Being a Business offering a Service and/or Goods
If you are a company that is offering goods and services it would serve you best to interact with your (potential) clients
Do at least the following:
- Set up a blog on your website.
- Post to your blog (amazing this needs to be here, but I’ve seen many empty blogs)
- Join the top forums that deal with your industry and contribute (hopefully with your website in your signature)
- Set up polls on your blog and/or on the forums where you are a contributing member to get feedback
- Remember the whole world will likely be able to view what you write, so be professional and honest
- Ask your users for feedback about what they would like to see you offer more of or add to your business
- Don’t get defensive about your business if you’re getting slammed in the public arena. Keep it professional and open. This allows for real growth.
Those are the bare minimums that I suggest you follow as you enter into live interaction with your clients.
Now get out there and find the real info about that next business you are going to hire!