Details make difference in small-business success

More than 150 small-business owners were told Tuesday that paying attention to the little details can make a big difference in a company's success.

"Great businesses really become engaged with their customers,'' said Lou Heckler, a nationally known motivational speaker, at a kickoff luncheon for Business Expo 2006.

"It's paying attention to detail, the little things. We may not always be able to compete on price and location, but as small-business owners one place we can absolutely compete is in the way we treat people who come to see us.''

Heckler talked about the importance of customer service for small-business owners, along with anticipating the needs of customers. He also said that successful companies treat their employees "the same way they want their customers to be treated."

The expo, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, kicked off a week focused on small business in Huntsville. Titled Making Magic Happen, the expo featured about 160 booths set up by area companies.

"It's a chance to get out, talk to people and let the public know what we do,'' said Debbie Tucker, marketing director for Nesin Therapy Services, which provides physical therapy services. "It's a good opportunity to educate people about our business.''

Several seminars on small-business topics were held Tuesday afternoon.

The Small Business Celebration wraps up Thursday night with the 21st annual Small Business Awards dinner at the VBC. Event organizers are expecting about 1,100 people for the awards dinner. The dinner begins Thursday at 6, with a reception beginning at 5:30 in the North Hall of the VBC.

Chamber officials said they've had good response from businesses after extending the awards dinner to include the business expo.

"The expo is a chance for businesses to show off their products and services,'' said Dorothy Huston, vice chair, small business, for the chamber and president and CEO of TMT Group. "We have so many small businesses in this area and this week is about showcasing small businesses.''

Huston agreed with Heckler on the importance of customer service. "We have to be proactive in anticipating the needs of our customers,'' she said. "That's the key to growth for a business.''