The Importance of Service - A Tip

In the '60s and '70s, my father grew a Chevrolet dealership in a small town of about 10,000 people into a thriving and successful business. People travelled around the state to buy a car from Dad, primarily because his service was so good. And they told their friends. One of Dad's mottos summed it up clearly: "Recommended by your friends."

I learned a lot from Dad about service. I have taught customer service skills to employees of Fortune 500 companies, including Universal Studios Florida, Tupperware and Hughes Supply. I even wrote a book on service. 

I also make an effort to reward service whenever possible. I tip fairly well. I tell an employee's supervisor if I receive good service. I provide feedback.

As a writer, I love to know my readers enjoy my books. I hunger for feedback. I like to hear that readers have received insight, enjoyment or just a few minutes away from life's stresses, by reading what I write.

When you read a good book, consider giving feedback to the writer. Tell him what you like about his work (and, yes it really is work). Tell others about what you've read. And write a review about the book.

Like a tip to a service professional, a good review helps a writer know you liked his story, tells his superiors (publishers/agents) you enjoyed the book, and gets the word out to his customers (the reading public) that his work is worth consideration. Reviews can be offered on writers' websites, on book selling sites like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple iBooks and Goodreads and on social media sites like Facebook. 

Read a good book, lately? Then leave a tip and recommended it to your friends. 

Write a review.

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