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You've tried all the usual channels and been turned down; your work is un-commercial, specialized or technical; you are concerned with art while everyone else is obsessed with cash; you need a book out quickly.Lutge Press, in partnership with e-Cottage, is an independent small publisher of high quality self-published fiction, non-fiction and poetry books. We offer a consulting and production service to authors wishing to self-publish any topic. Our involvement includes cover design and illustration (computer graphics, fine art, photography), typesetting, page layout, editing, writing, research, proofreading, translation, printing and binding.

Trend Creation
Thinking ahead how your company should perform over the next 15 years demands accellerated strategic planning, which is a key skill found at all levels within today's organization.>> More

Savvy Marketing for 2011
In the current economic climate it is vital that your business maintains an effective competitive edge.>>More

Archive
* Tactical solutions needed to strengthen workplace productivity
* Cash-in on Consumer Lifecycle: Tripwire Marketing
* Successful Coaching in the workplace

Customer Service

In this day and age, finding a company that stands 100 percent behind its promises and still gives that extra 10 percent is a rare accomplishment. Consumers today are faced with unrivalled choice, not only products and services, but also in terms of competitive companies and brands. Consider that a mere two generations ago customers could not have imagined how different the world of consumerism would be at the dawn of the 21st Century. Only fifty years ago local cooperatives provided most products a customer needed through personalized face-to-face trade, unlike the self-service retail environment, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and smaller specialty boutiques that define our modern trade.
Knowing what your customers want is half the battle won. Their expectations about the design, performance, safety, quality and reliability of products and services greatly contribute to the delivery of higher levels of quality and reliability, protection of safety and health, fair competition and environmental protection.
Learning Curves
Even the smallest companies can make a big difference to their bottom line by re-evaluating their customer service strategy. Recognize that your company has a lot to offer by utilizing your resources creatively. Today business is about more than just making money; it's about making a positive difference to peoples' lives. And action, as always, counts for more than just good intentions. Think like a venture capitalist; invite proposals from your staff, challenge their expertise, create a plan of action, form a focus group. Commit to the little things such as returning calls and emails in a timely manner, providing useful information to customers on a regular basis, showing appreciation for clients by mailing thank you cards, sending invitations to open house events or exclusive client-only briefings, and offering discounts. These gestures will provide your business an opportunity to get to know your customers on a personal basis. Invite feedback from your customers to bring about change. It's important to implement these changes and to acknowledge customer's for their input. You may also want to consider giving out rewards to customers to show your appreciation and make them feel valued.
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