These originally appeared in Don Taylor's popular business book, "Up Against the Wal-Marts." They offer good food for thought for contracting companies, as well. Here, I offer them with some commentary aimed particularly at this magazine's audience.
Focus completely on satisfying customers.
Take it beyond "satisfying" customers. Satisfaction means doing what you're paid to do, i.e. competent workmanship, on time and at the agreed price. The best companies strive to go beyond that by making the experience memorable for the customer with services that are not expected. It's not enough to satisfy customers. You need to dazzle them.