Staff Shortages and Consistent Delivery of Customer Service, Biggest Challenges
New Survey Says for Businesses
COLUMBUS, OH, October 25, 2006. New results in the 2006 Annual Customer Survey of Signature Worldwide, a leading provider of training and business solutions, finds the biggest challenges facing companies trying to expand their business are staffing - finding and retaining good employees; and improving or maintaining current levels of customer service.
Additional challenges cited include staying ahead of the competition, and reaching new business segments. More than 2,000 Signature customers worldwide responded to a Web-based survey hosted by MQA Research, a full service research company based in Worthington, Ohio.
According to the University of Michigan's American Customer Satisfaction Index, customer service nationwide is at a two-year low and companies are expected to spend $36.5 billion on customer-management tools and services in 2006.
Companies in Signature's core industries of hospitality, equipment, multifamily housing, trucking and financial services, purchase customer-management training programs from Signature to aid in teaching sales and customer service skills that change employee behaviors and attitudes towards serving customers. Signature customers have benefited by using Signature programs to retain employees and improve customer service.
"In markets where similar products and services are sold at comparable prices, our customers have differentiated themselves from the competition by providing legendary customer service," says Signature Marketing Manager Myra Mash. "Word soon gets out in the community that their business is known for giving great service and often results in new and repeat business. In today's consumer world it's all about the customer experience."
About Signature Worldwide
Signature Worldwide is a leading provider of training and business solutions to service-based organizations looking to outsource the creation or delivery of employee training and marketing programs that directly impact the bottom line. Established in 1986 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Signature operates throughout North America and has licensees in China, Greece, Middle East and Northern Africa, Mexico, South and Central America and the United Kingdom.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
