“Customer Service in a Customer-Empowered World” is a free three-hour seminar offered by the Small Business Center of Richmond Community College at the Cole Auditorium on Jan. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The speaker will be Martin Brossman, a success coach, trainer, and author on business and on social media.

“Doing business in today’s high-tech world calls for new ways of delivering good, old-fashioned service,” said Grossman. “Not long ago, an unsatisfied customer used to tell 10 to 11 people, but now with a smart-phone technology, that same customer can complain to 100,000 people right from your location. This class will teach you how to handle negative issues both online and in person, with tips for turning upset customers into loyal fans.”

Brossman includes how to integrate customer service with your marketing plan using Social Media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+. and YouTube. You will also learn how to make your business visible in free online directories to reach new customers. Overall, you will understand how to create a positive business presence that will keep customers coming back. This is an ideal class for business owners and managers, though anyone working in a business can benefit from it.

RCC’s Small Business Center offers a variety of seminars and workshops year-round. Contact SBC Director Deborah Hardison at (910) 410-1687 or visit the SBC page online at www.richmondcc.edu under the Community and Business link.