CentreO Blog

We are not perfect. Hence, what we create or organize may just as well not be perfect, no matter how hard we try.

A deadline can be missed, a call not returned, a product can be faulty and a service can lack finesse…And our customers have every right to notice. So why does it hurt so much when they do?

A negative review can haunt us forever, damaging our confidence and ambition – and what’s worse – most of the time, they are out of our control. What we do control  – is how we deal with them. And that can make a difference between moving our business forward or backward.

So what is the best way to handle a bad review? Here’s our take on it!

Accept it

Yes, this may not be your fault. Yes, the situation may look completely different on your side and YES – you may have done nothing wrong. BUT your customer is unhappy. So somewhere along the way a mistake was made (be that miscommunication, bad service or misunderstanding.) So do not run away from it, ignore it or dismiss it. Read it, understand it and think what you can do in the future to avoid it.

Don’t run, Lola! Do NOT!

Don’t hide from negative comments and do not hide negative comments from your potential customers. The worst thing to do is delete it or hide at the bottom of your website far from the eyes of Google Search. You may make the situation worse by creating a cookie-cutter image of a company that is simply hard to believe. Think about it – a business with zero negative comments does sound a bit suspicious, doesn’t it?

Handle it

It all comes down to how you handle negative comments. So if you do not ignore them or run from them – then the natural third is to answer them. What is the best way to answer a negative comment? Probably, you would know the best answer to this, as you know your customers, your business, your strengths and weaknesses.

Let’s just say that you should not:

–       come up with excuses

–       shift the blame to one of your employees

–       blame the customer for not explaining their requirements clearly

or not accept responsibility in any other way.

 So why not:

–       apologize for causing discomfort to the customer

–       offer a solution (if possible)

–       offer a compensation and promise to look out for these issues next time

–       thank the customer for feedback and encourage them to write more comments.

After all, we spend so much time and effort o market research just to get inside of our customers’ heads and learn what they want. And the fact that they come out and do so by themselves should be looked upon if not as a gift, but at least as a great opportunity!

Than I should not explain why I visited Asia Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Fair this weekend.

And I was not the only one. Over the past two days the fair has recorded 5420 unique visitors from all over the world. Top ten visiting countries and regions were Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, Taiwan Region, Korea, Thailand, Australia and Philippines.

And there is no surprise the fair attracted so many visitors, as there was plenty to see: over 300 quality exhibitors from 17 countries and regions presented their works at the fair.

The most popular pavilion was by all means the “Stainless Steel and Jewelry Pavilion”, offering stainless steel jewelry at competitive prices.

And here are the pictures…

Shared works space, also known as co-working space, seems to be gaining popularity in the fast-paced city of Hong Kong. So what exactly is co-working space and what about it makes business people choose it over traditional office arrangements?

The story of shared working space in Hong Kong starts with the name of Jonathan Buford, the founder of BootHK, the pioneer of co-working spaces in the city of Hong Kong. Ever since, co-working establishments have been popping up in Hong Kong like mushrooms after rain, trying to satisfy the ever-growing demand for this new format.

So what are the benefits for shared work space?

This working format is frequently chosen by small businesses or freelancers and presents a great alternative to working at home or a local coffee shop.

A shared office offers more privacy and a real office environment, while helping you save on rent and the upkeep of an individual office.

It also saves time that would be otherwise spent on office matters, such us paying utility bills, arranging clean-ups and repairs, buying office furniture and so on.

However, one of the greatest benefits for young entrepreneurs is definitely a chance to meet with other just like them and share ideas, challenges and creativity. After all, a shared environment is not only a shared working space, but a sharing of entreprenual spirit, imagination and inspiration.

Dear friends! I have some good news to share, that came to me in a form of an email from Hong Kong Uber team.

Uber, everyone’s personal driver, has come to Hong Kong! So as of now, by downloading the Uber app on your phone, you get access to a private luxury driving service, allowing you to travel our wonderful city of Hong Kong in style!

Having gone through my first Uber experience in Shenzhen, I was eagerly waiting for this day to arrive, and finally it’s here!

 Email:

Hey Josephine,Uber was warmly welcomed by Hong Kong during this year’s Rugby Sevens, and we couldn’t wait to return. Today the wait is finally over: secret Ubers are on the road in Hong Kong!In this city full of transportation choices, Uber brings a reliable, comfortable, seamless option to the mix. Whether you’re heading home from a long day’s work in Central, treating a special someone to a night at a gourmet private kitchen in Sai Ying Pun, or shopping in Causeway Bay, Uber is here for you.

Our secret rollout didn’t stay secret for long. Right after the first Ubers hit the road, model and entrepreneur Amanda Strang caught the first ride. Shortly thereafter, actor Carl Ng followed suit, taking a Mercedes S-Class for a spin around Central and up to SoHo.

 

Now it’s your turn. Availability may be limited during this initial testing phase, but we’re working hard to make more cars available everyday. If you do catch a ride, please let us know how it goes! Always feel free to join us on Twitter and Instagram at @Uber_HK or shoot us an email atsupportHK@uber.com with feedback, suggestions, or stories.Uber On,
Team Hong Kong