This guest post is part of our ongoing Small Business Perspective series, and is written by Monique Wakefield, owner of Paws-n-Tails in Dallas, TX.

Some people are reluctant to go to someone new without having some information about them first. Putting yourself in the customer’s shoes, ask yourself if you would you rather go with a brand you know a lot about or one that you have never heard of. If you think about it, all the great brands have had at least two things going for them: 1) a great ad campaign; and 2) people generally say good things about, or otherwise endorse the brand.

From a small business perspective, it may seem a stretch to think you can become a popular brand like a large company. However, brand popularity for a small company can be phrased in a slightly different way: reputation. The best way to build a good reputation is by word of mouth, and great customer service is the best way to get people to spread the word. If you meet the customer’s needs and address situations when they come up promptly, it will help customers feel comfortable and confident that you are there for them.

Any successful small business owner will tell you that keeping your customers happy and satisfied will always bring in more business. When people trust the services or products you sell you set the stage for great customer relationships. This, in turn, will create an environment where others can trust that you are the go-to person for the service you provide.

Proper business etiquette should be enforced in any small business. Know your customers once you have established a relationship with them. Address customers by their names, for example, “Hi Henry, what can I help you with today?” or “Hello, Mrs. Wilson, how are you?” Get to know as much as you need about their needs to help service them better the net time they come to you.

Monique Wakefield is the owner of Paws-n-Tails, a Dallas based pet sitting and dog training business which employs positive pet training techniques. To learn more about Monique and all of our Small Business Perspective Authors, click here.