In response to Doug's question

Do you think that performing a service well is good enough promotion within itself? What recommendations would you give to a start-up business that offers only services?

Services are a problem to marketers because they are intangible. Most services offered are those that people actually need. I could never cut my own hair so this requires me to go pay and have it done. I just recently got my car worked on and it's nothing I could have fixed on my own. I know how to drive and put gas in my car, that is about it. So I brought it to Leons in Keene and they fixed it up for me.
I think that it is important for companies to promote their services even if they are good enough. They say that if you walk out of a business and you aren't happy with the service, you tell at least 10 people about your bad experience which makes them also not want to go there. But if people enjoy the service then it promotes itself in a way. If I have good service I tend to tell people about it and recommend it. Companies should still try to promote their services because it will definitely bring in some new customers who may not have heard of them before.
I would recommend that new businesses get their name out there with promotions and deals. Maybe first time customers get 50% off a hair cut (if it's a salon). Some sort of way to get people into their business is very important especially if the company is new and no one has any experience with.

When you have a bad experience, whether it's in a store or have had bad services, do you tell your friends or family about it? or do you let it go and just find another place?