From the moment we decide to work for ourselves we are bombarded with critical messages, most of them coming from what I call "the committee." You know, the helpful inner advisors that observe and critique our every move.

Given the noise generated by the committee, it's a wonder that any message at all can get through from outside.

The front line supervisor's #1 priority is to successfully process each day's work. Accomplish that task about 250 days of the year for 3-5 years and you'll be a strong candidate for a promotion. The lessons you learn as a successful supervisor will be the most important, and intense, management training you've every received.

We all like to think we give great customer service. Nothing is more bothersome than feeling that you are not appreciated as a customer and we certainly would never want any of our clients to feel that way. Yet, as organizations grow new people join the team. It's a difficult task to ensure that everyone is on board with the company's philosophy on customer service.

After years of the promise of being able to telecommute and work from home, it looks like there is finally some progress being made in that arena. Now more than ever, with traffic getting worse and commute times getting longer, people want the ability to be able to work from home.

Customer service etiquette principles should be integrated into every facet of your organization because providing superior customer service is the most effective way to differentiate your business from the competition.

Recently, I contacted a car consortium that has been servicing my vehicles for about 10 years.

They've leased me a Volvo and a Porsche during that time, but, because of flawed sales and service practices, they've missed out on leasing me a number of other cars.

It's long been said people 'eat with their eyes'. To that end, leverage the eyes and other senses when delivering better service...and making it much easier to sell. Here are a few examples:

People are the reason I'm in the business of service. I own a tiny hotel in the rolling hills of Tuscany. With that I mean 5 rooms! The hotel itself is the original Tuscan farm house. Obviously this old house has been lovingly restored and been given modern amenities like hot running water and electricity.

I've been buying the same products from the same person at the same company for at least three years. The business is over one thousand miles away so all our business is conducted over the telephone and by email. Over the years we have built a friendly but businesslike relationship. On the phone we kid around a little about the weather, our favorite sports teams, and our families.

The other day, I visited my friendly local dentist for my six-month checkup. As I was leaving, I received not only the traditional toothbrush, but also some floss and, wow, a little supply of toothpicks in a carrying case.