About Saint Clair County, IL

I recently got a survey from a cookie company that sells some delicious cookies and brownies by mail. They are each individually wrapped so they are nice for business giving, plus are great portion controlled snacks that stay fresh. I have been buying them regularly over the last couple years but in the last six months, I have noticed that the prices have gone up, the number of cookies in the assortments have decreased, and the number of items with free shipping have decreased too - a triple assault on my pocketbook. This makes the cookies more expensive and has made me think twice if they are a good value except for occasional gifts.

The survey I got asked questions that made it sound like the company is trying to position itself as a more upscale gourmet food company. There were no questions that asked about perceived value or whether recent changes might influence any future purchases. In this economy, their survey was irrelevant.

As a matter of fact, I was annoyed that they didn't ask these questions, which to me where like elephants in cyberspace. The company doesn't think a regular customer would notice a 25-35% increase? Even if they want to reposition their company, wouldn't it be smart to ask if their company base would follow their new direction?

There‘s a lesson for everyone here. We need to be in tune with our clients and what they want and need. If we attempt to measure client perceptions of our service, we must measure the right things and ask the right things. We can make changes to the niceties of our business, but if we don't satisfy what customers want, we are kidding ourselves about the outcome.

We can move to a new building, put in a new phone system, or send calendars at Christmas, but none of that will phase the client if we don't return calls or make him feel like we are his zealous advocate. We can reinvent ourselves as "consultants" or develop new specialties, but if the client has concerns about us, our service, or the value we offer, our attempts to reinvent ourselves won't necessarily overcome these reservations.

If I don't order many more cookies, the cookie company won't crumble. If many customers feel the same though, and start assessing whether they are a good value, there could be trouble ahead. For those of us in business, the dynamics are the same.

Commitment: I will examine my service approach to my clients.

Deadline: _________________

Duplex for Sale in Belleville Illinois MLS# 2906533 $99,900

Both units are 2 bed/1 bath. Both units are currently rented for $650.00 a month.

1163 sq ft per unit.

Home for Sale in Dupo Illinois (Foreclosure) - Bluffview Manor MLS# 2913571 $129,900

Rooms: 6

Bedrooms: 3
Total Baths: 3
Full Baths: 3
3/4 Baths: 0
Half Baths: 0
Fin Bsmt Rms: 1
Fireplaces:
Garage/Crpt: 2 CAR GARAGE , ATTACHED GARAGE

Apx Total Finished: 1,392

Aprx Yr Built: 2004

Lot Size: 74x100

County: St Clair Township: 06 Section: 21
Parcel ID No: 06-21.0-220-008 Taxes: $4,808 Tax Year: 2008

3 BDRM 3 BATH WITH HARDWOOD FLOORS. PARTIALLY FINISHED BASEMENT. MASTER BATH HAS JETTED TUB. LOTS OF POSSIBILITIES FOR THE UNFINISHED BASEMENT SPACE.

Open House in Lenzburg Illinois MLS 2905423 $92,500 4 bdrm 1 bath 1594 sq ft

321 N. Main Street

Lenzburg Illinois 62255

Sunday 22 November 2009

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Very clean and well maintained 1 1/2 story older home. Living room has brick surrounded fireplace flanked by bookshelves and stained glass windows. Home has plenty of closet space, a screened in porch with swing. A must see home!