I’m thinking about some of the Customer Satisfaction reviews I’ve seen on professional websites. Typically it’s advertised as “See what our clients have to say!” or something to that extent. And following is a list of quotes by flat characters who you know are not real:

“The crew was polite and respectful of the property,” Mary J.

“Sharon and her staff were friendly and reliable,” William L.

“Tom and his crew were ten minutes early, did what they said they would do and worked hard,” John P.

I think what people say about you is some of the best advertising you can receive. Not only that, but I think it reflects to a certain degree our relationship with clients and how well we educate them on the process of arboriculture. So what if our client satisfaction testimonials sounded like this:

“Missy and Jose controlled the rigging of large scaffold limbs over the roof like a marionettist controls their marionette, with deliberate and high functioning artistry. Not only would I (and do I) recommend these arborists to anyone needing technical removal work done, but I also consider them lifelong friends,” Sir William Drake Radnor,Attorney at Law.

“John is an absolute savage climber in the crown of a tree. He moves with such force and economical intention; and yet no twigs break, no leaf flutters from a tearing petiole. It’s easy to see how he won his chapter climbing competition, and  it’s flattering to think someone would work so hard for you, and with so much respect too. Watching this crew of friends and colleagues work was a happy reminder that grace still does exist in this world,” Tiffany Williams, TERSCO Academy.

“Charles knowledge of integrated pest management is so exhaustive in breath and depth that you need two oxygen tanks to make it through a consultation with him on your property. A four year education in a half hour for a fraction of the cost! He knows plants so well, and understands their role in ecosystems so thoroughly that new avenues of thought have been opened philosophically for both my husband and I. I never knew that tree care could strengthen the bond we have with our property and with our environment,” Tina Novansky, Elliot Coporation.

“When Baxter came back the next evening to grind the stump, he walked through the process with my family before starting and confirmed the specifications in the contract. The kids were so interested in the machinery! He screened off his work area with a protective shield so none of the dirt or wood chips would hit the house. We were cooking out in the back yard so after he finished and loaded the truck he joined us for a cheeseburger! Highly Recommend!” Henry Hollander, Stay At Home Dad.

What do your clients say about you?

*Disclaimer: None of the characters or companies in this blog post are real, but it would be cool if they were.