I am amazed at how bad customer service still is, even in this poor business environment. Recently I was going out of town for about two weeks so I took my dogs to the vet to have them stay there. My dogs, which are pictured below, are great dogs.

Marty and his daughter Lily with his dogs Rudy (Goldendoodle) and Sammy (Shitzu)

Sammy is a Shitzu and Rudy is a Golden Doodle. They love going to the vet and the vet loves them. But the vet needs to get some new people working for them. When I called to ask if they could wait till 12:02 as I was running late and they close for lunch for 2 hours, you’d have thought I asked for their first born. When I got there, I was so mad at them and the rude treatment I received at the counter that I wanted to leave. But the vet isn’t that way at all; my wife loves the place; and I was on my way to the airport. For what we pay to keep the dogs there, they should have been happy to see me.

But it’s not just this vet where I see poor service; I see it everywhere. I see people who seem to be upset a lot at work and it is rubbing clients the wrong way and sending them elsewhere. And so, if you think about that, in terms of our businesses, that’s great for you and me. It’s a chance for all of us to stand out, in a good way, just by doing the little things.

I could go on and on for hours about all the little things you ought to do to please your clients; let me just tell you two. Be nice and be responsive, that’s it. Friendly people who show their clients they care and take care of them promptly are destined to stand out and be successful in the process.  A client is never bothering us; they are trying to help us make our business work. Sure, some clients can be trouble and you do need to tell them to find someone else. But most are not.  I fear the stresses of running a business in this tough environment are making a lot of us blow things out of proportion and spill out our stress on to others.

This week, make sure you haven’t fallen into a rut and take a look at how you’re treating your clients. It doesn’t take much to make them go somewhere else and it doesn’t take much to impress them either.

Greetings, Friends, Fans, Clients, and Strangers. I am about to do something I normally would not do; I am going to be “politically incorrect.”

I’m growing increasingly concerned about what’s going on in our country. We are so worried about the feelings of a few; we’re suppressing the beliefs of millions. So this week I want you to watch and listen to this incredible video and song by Diamond Rio. I found it on You Tube after a friend said they played it at a concert in Las Vegas. I love the song and the video and I’m surprised that it has not become more popular. Is that because it’s a bit “politically incorrect”? I don’t know and I really don’t care.  The point is, if you feel the same as I do, forward this e-mail on to those you know and let your voice be heard.

I’m not out to make anyone mad; I just felt a need to say today that I’m proud to be an American and I believe in God and I feel that faith is something that helps us get through times like these. After all, religious freedom is one of the basic foundations of this country.

So, please sit back, watch this video, listen to the words, and think about what you’re thankful for.  God Bless America!

This week I want to recommend a book; it’s titled People Are Idiots And I Can Prove It! by Larry Winget.

You can purchase the book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, or Book Sense. Larry is a professional speaker and author; learn more about Larry on his website.

He is a frequent contributor to Fox News and is on TV a couple times a month on other channels offering up sound advice. I know Larry and he’s someone who speaks his mind. He has several books; they are all worth reading.

He says what most of us are thinking so if you’re looking for a book that makes you think and helps you save and make money and get your head on straight, then all of his titles are worth picking up. I loved this one. Also, if you are on Facebook, sign up to his fan page. He has some of the best postings you’ll ever see. I hope to have Larry on a webinar with me someday soon. We’ll see what happens.

One of the best Christmas gifts I have ever received was an iPod.  My wife gave me one loaded with all my favorite songs a few Christmases ago. I had wanted one for a long time after seeing my buddy Mark Mayberry’s several years ago while we were both speaking at the same conference.

I’m amazed at what joy such a little thing can bring. Music actually makes me feel better. But, what I like to use it most for, are podcasts. I get The Wall Street Journal Small Business Report and listen to it while I’m running on the trails by my house. I find I can lose myself in the lessons being taught and get a good workout in as well. This week, if you don’t have an iPod, go get one and if you do have one, check out The Wall Street Journal Small Business podcasts. You just scroll down on the right side to Podcasts. It is excellent.

There are all kinds of podcasts you can sign up for. I have several books on my iPod as well. I can’t believe how much I have on this little gadget!

The lesson this week is that there are all kinds of ways to learn. Sometimes we learn things by just going for a jog or a walk. Other times we need to listen or read something. But I think the iPod supercharges the learning experience and I find it to be an awesome little tool.

Oh, yeah, last point, understand to keep your body and brain in top condition, you have to exercise them!