Don’t waste your dollars on non-believers.

You’ve heard the old saying, “The customer is always right.” Just keep in mind who your audience is. Not everyone is going to love your product or service. Those people are not your target audience, so don’t waste your time and dollars trying to win them over. Get to know your brand believers and what they expect from you. How? Ask! Test. Use comment cards or online surveys. Find out what you can do better—in every aspect—and let them know when you’ve made an improvement.

Take Jeni Britton, president and founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, for example. Her goal is to “surprise and delight” her customers. And she does it through lavender and wild berries, coriander and raspberry, and Savannah buttermint ice cream flavors (to name a few). Not only are her flavors fun, but they’re also healthier than other ice creams. Jeni says she makes ice cream for her customers, not for everyone. To keep her customers coming back, she gives them plenty of ways to give feedback, including inviting them to her test kitchen.

We want to know how you have learned from your customers and built lifetime relationships with them. Share your thoughts!

There Are 1,010,400 Charities. Find Out How Your Business Can Help.

There are more than one million charities out there that could use you as a supporter, so consider pairing up with a local or national charity that fits your personality and passions—it’s a truly rewarding experience! I genuinely believe in giving back to the community, and I have a passion for the arts. This combination compelled me to become one of the founding donors for the Wexner Center for the Arts.

If you’d like to meet other like-minded women, I will be hosting a panel at the Wexner Center, in Columbus, Ohio, next Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 6-8 p.m. about how women have a unique ability to infuse philanthropy into their business. You’ll meet some of the women in the book and some new faces including Bev Bethge of Ologie, Jeni Britton of Jeni’s Ice Creams, Kim Holzer of Smith Barney, and Elizabeth Lessner of Betty’s Fine Food & Spirits, Surly Girl and Tip Top.

Come early from 5-6 p.m. to see the Andy Warhol exhibit for free! Enjoy a networking reception from 6-6:30, panel discussion and Q&A from 6:30-7:30 and then a book signing and Jeni’s Warhol-inspired ice cream and Surly Girl cupcakes at 7:30. I truly hope to meet you at the event!

Please RSVP here.