There is something to be said about learning how to master your craft one day at a time. Years ago there were apprenticeships, positions that provided the opportunity for workers to learn their craft over a specified period of time; and making mistakes was expected. It was a way to build character and show off your ability to improve and master your trade. Those days are all but gone.

Today it is expected that you not only receive on the job training, but perfect your craft in a matter of two weeks and sometimes a few days. Everything today must be done quick, fast, and now; opening the door for a severe loss of quality and integrity.

Small business owners can change the tide toward the mediocre by doing more than the status quo. Recently an upsurge in economy driven small business ventures has forced more service industry start-ups. There are dressmakers, carpenters, graphic artist, hair stylist, cake decorators and jewelry makers who are raising the bar and providing exceptional products and services. The advantage is they are local, often known in their community for offering good service at a fair price and willing to go the extra mile to avoid the brick wall called company policy.

One of the major advantages of operating a small business is the uncanny ability to create your own customer service policy, removing the barriers that sometime prevent the true fulfillment of customer needs.

All too often small business owners do not take advantage of the power they posses in being able to give their customers exactly what they want, in just the way they want it. Learn to exercise your options, flex your power and become the premiere service provider in your community.

Offering standardized services is great but the businesses that will survive in the future are those willing to go above and beyond.

Can you think of a time when you went above and beyond what was needed to provide your customer with exceptional products or services?

1. Commit to quality service and have a customer service policy, even if it is food you can still offer a money back guarantee or offer to replace the product.

2. Convey and articulate your product benefits effectively. Dazzle them with brilliance, don't baffle with bull. If you don't believe in what you sell no one else will either. Look your customer square in the eyes and tell them all about those Hot Cross Buns!

3. Make a physical note on your customers. If you are at the farmer's market and you ask each customer to sign your guest list, ask for information like their birthday, month and day, their favorite flower or color. You can then create campaigns around this information that bring your customer back for more of your fabulous baked goods.

4. Kindness, courtesy and respect. It sounds simple, but back in the day, this was all folks had; the ability to be nice! Your customers will always respond to being treated well...always!

5. Leave confrontation and arguments for another day. Do not argue with your customers. It's like arguing with a two-year old, when someone is angry, frustrated and truly believes they are in the right, you are fighting a losing battle, so release their torment.

6. Never, ever do just enough to get by...lay out the red carpet and them some. Your customer needs to know there is no one else on the planet that can bake Red Velvet Cake like you and if they dare attempt to go to another baker, they'll feel the wrath of guilt. Okay, that was a bit much...but you got the picture!