As someone who takes an interest in the financial markets, I always love a good “scandal”. Some women like watching crazy reality TV shows...and me? Well, I like corporate scandals - especially when it has to deal with big banks or financial money lords. Ever since the meltdown of the U.S. mortgage and banking industry a few years back, I’ve been very weary of who I invest my money with.

I read this article about Stansberry research that talks about this investment company that basically duped their newsletter subscribers into purchasing a “special” report which cost $1,000, and promised them the opportunity to “double their money” based on “insider tips”. It was just a big scam which led to a $1.5 million fine from the SEC for securities fraud.

I always wonder how people, especially companies, can think that they’ll never get caught for wrongdoing. Isn’t it much easier and less costly to just be honest, have good intentions, and provide great service? Stansberry made about $1 million in revenue from the sale of that special report. Is the consequence of a bad reputation really worth a quick buck?

It’s just sad that companies like this can create a dark shadow over the rest of the industry. I’m sure there are people working in the stock market who are very honest and just want to do good for their clients, but when I read stories like this, it just reminds us to do our due diligence before handing over money to a stranger.

Thanks for stopping by for another Customer Service Carnivale! It's all about sharing customer service-related tips, tools, and resources to help keep your business customer-centric. I apologize that this edition is a day late. I had to travel yesterday to meet with a client and by the time I got back home, I was exhausted and completely forgot to publish this!

Without further ado...

How do you attract new customers to your business?  C.F. Jackson shares with us two simple ways to attracting new customers along with a couple tips on how to maintain communication with them.

We've all dealt with "tough customers".  You probably know the ones I'm talking about.   Daryl Drew shares his own perspective and step-by-step formula on how to handle tough customers. 

In the same vein of dealing with tough customers, there is the notion of solving their problems (or your company's problem - depending on how you look at it), so here are some effective ways to solve problems.

There are people in business who believe that public relations is separate from customer service, but I come from the philosophy that they are very much related.  If you need some brushing up on how PR works, check out these 50 up and coming public relations blogs.

Thanks to everyone who submitted an article for this edition!  I will be taking a two month hiatus from posting the carnivale, however, I will drop in every once in awhile to share some thoughts.  The next carnivale is scheduled for July 11, 2011.  To submit your customer service-related article, visit the Blog Carnival page.