In the late 1800’s, American entrepreneur Marshal Field acquired a dry goods establishment in the heart of Chicago.  At that time in history, business culture centered around the idea of “caveat emptor,” Latin for “buyer beware.”  The phrase is essentially a warning that the merchant is not required to disclose information about his product that would decrease the product’s value, and that the buyer is making a purchase at his own risk.  Such was the common business landscape of the time.  Customers were not familiar with the idea of unconditional refunds or consistent pricing, and merchants at that time had no qualms about pushing merchandise on customers who really had no need or desire to buy.

Field sought to change the face of the retail industry, by integrating altogether new methods of customer service into his stores.  His business model was as follows:

“To do the right thing, at the right time, in the right way; to do some things better than they were ever done before; to eliminate errors; to know both sides of the question; to be courteous; to be an example; to work for the love of work; to anticipate requirements; to develop resources; to recognize no impediments; to master circumstances; to act from reason rather than rule; to be satisfied with nothing short of perfection.”

Field was wildly successful at achieving this goal.  Rapid economic growth of the time was producing highly concentrated pockets of wealth.  Rather than exploit those customers, Field believed that by creating a helping culture, by treating them with dignity and respect, and by acting in such a manner himself, the enjoyment of the luxurious shopping experience of the Guilded Age would increase exponentially.  At the time of his passing in 1906, his net worth exceeded 1.5 million dollars, equivalent to sixty-six billion dollars today.

Was his business model a successful one?  Um… yes.  We think you would agree.

Snapscapes seeks to promote this helping culture of customer service by using image based customer support with our one-of-a-kind app that allows you to obtain a visual representation of any project a customer has in mind.  Like Field’s customers, yours will no longer be buying things that don’t work for their space, or things they don’t need.

The net result? A more pleasant shopping experience for them, and a customer who will return to you.   Additionally, business owners can use our app to create a record of each customer’s project and track their progress through all its various stages from beginning to completion.

More questions about how Snapscapes can create a helping culture in your business?  Contact us for answers!

If you’ve been in the business arena for any amount of time, then you already know that it’s competitive. In fact, this idea is shoved down our throats all the time – you have to get the sale before the next guy does, every time.

This can be healthy. It can motivate you and your employees to work harder and be more innovative – provided the competition is constructively guided. But if that competition becomes corrosive, and has your employees fighting tooth and nail for every advantage, it can destroy your company from within.

Fortunately, there’s another way. Many companies are succeeding by fostering a “helping culture” – one in which every employee is primarily motivated to assist, not compete.

This helping culture doesn’t just improve staff relations, however. It can also set you apart with your customers. Here’s how:

Helping Makes You Accessible

According to a recent study, the people in a company that are most likely to help aren’t necessarily the biggest experts. Instead, they’re the most accessible.

By encouraging your employees to be accessible, both to customers and each other, you open up their knowledge base to everyone who needs it. This in turn spreads that knowledge across the company, so that everyone benefits.

Encourage your employees to be easily accessible to customers. This means not only being physically present, but relatable. That’s the idea behind SnapScapes – that by bringing in easily understandable photo data, you can foster an environment of learning.

Helping Makes the Success of Others a Priority

Helping is a selfless act. It shows that you are committed to the other person succeeding and understanding, which in turn makes you a trusted resource.

When your employees help customers, they become personally invested in that customer’s problems – and their solutions. This investment can’t be faked – and it’s what separates great companies from competent ones.

This can’t be overstated. Many companies offer solutions – and many products are comparable in quality. What keeps customers coming back is a feeling of investment – and that is born through help.

Likewise, employees helping each other create an environment of selflessness, which in turn buoys the whole company.

Create Your Culture Today

If you’d like ideas and suggestions on how to create a helping culture in your company, contact us today. We’ll assist you in identifying areas where help can be increased, so that your business will grow – and your customers will thank you.