After problem was finally resolved, I sent an update letting everyone know what happened. I got back to any emails that I felt needed answering ... this whole thing took almost 18 hours of my time and NO SLEEP for me!

The stress and fact that I had no sleep took it's toll on me. When I got some really rude emails from some angry customers and associates, I didn't take my own advice and let it sit until I calmed down. You know what I did instead? I gave refunds to all of them! I didn't even want to deal with it ... as a result, I refunded over $1000 in sales.

I know, I know ... you're asking yourself, "How could that be a good thing?" Well, it made me get out of my bull stubborn "I'll handle it all" attitude and incorporate some much needed help. Now I have someone to answer those emails, someone to answer those calls, and various other things. What a RELIEF! Why didn't I do it sooner?! :o)

If you answered "Yes" to my first question above, heed my advice. Take off those bull horns and find a couple of people that you trust to help with some of your dauntless duties. And if your business is not big enough yet to incorporate help and you're handling it just fine ... don't forget this advice when it grows right before your very eyes ----

"How do I tell if a business is good or bad?" "How do I know where to shop?" "Are they a good business?"

My response is always same...check fruit on tree. What is pattern of behavior? What is company's reactive personality? Is moral constitution flexible rather than rigid? Check reputation.

The offline world provides numerous resources to determine patterns and trends of businesses. Trade associations, chambers of commerce, better business bureaus etc.

In online world, however, we are still treading murky waters when it comes to measuring "character" of a business. By far, best route to take are testimonials.

Testimonials on your website are powerful. But, they must be honest and sincere. Don't just make them up. Add a link back to provider and it will increase your credibility TENFOLD!

Now I know what you're thinking, "Who wants to be answering tons of email for ME?" Nobody. That's why you use technology available at your fingertips. With permission of author, use a line or two of their testimonial on your site with a link to an autoresponder for full message.

Now, sit back and watch your credibility soar

Patty Baldwin is a former Better Business Bureau executive and the owner of several online businesses. A successful net marketer, she invites you to visit any one of her sites at:

http://www.allbizservices.com http://www.4bstrading.com http://www.allbizwealth.com