Devoted to customer service and the principles of exceptional customer services

Forbes just released their list of the 400 richest Americans - a list I pay close attention to.  I've always been very fascinated with these people and the things that they do to reach this status. 

In my studies of successful entrepreneurs, I've come to realize common characteristics between most of these people.  What is the attraction to their companies?  Why do customers go back and buy from them?  How well do they treat their employees and business partners? 

What I found out is that these entrepreneurs:

• Stand for something - They have a mission and a vision.

• Have a story to tell - There's a reason for their business.

• Believed in their business - They kept going even when others thought they would fail

• Are resilient - They worked towards their goals and succeeded despite all the hurdles that came their way.  They bounced back after setbacks. 

• Have good values - They value their customer above everything else.

When customers see that your values matches their values, (hat tip to Phil Gerbyshak) they're more likely to open up the wallets and hand over the money. 

I have yet to study each individual in the Forbes 400 list to see what their values are, but there is one man that I truly admire for "keeping it real" - Warren Buffett, the one man I'd love to have lunch with.