Good Doing Business With You: Six Rules Everyone Needs to Follow
Business and commerce have changed dramatically over the years. The advent of new technology and products has made customer interface, sales and supply an entirely new game. While the processes in which we do business has changed, the rules of being successful at it have held fast and carry relevance even in today’s tech savvy and advanced world.
1. Don’t assume to know what consumers want.
Presuming to know beforehand what customers want and need is great way to come across as arrogant and pretentious. Pay attention to market trends and keep up to date on developments within your industry. Network with businesses in your same field and compare notes on things that are working and those that are falling flat.
2. Keep your employees happy.
Your employees are the backbone of your business. Happy employees are statistically proven to be more productive and profitable for a business regardless of industry. A high employee turnover rate is a definite sign of internal problems that you as the owner have the power to correct. Reward hard work and recognize those who deserve it while at the same time purging yourself of those who continually bring a negative attitude and are detrimental to the work environment.
3. Encourage and listen to customer input.
There’s no better way to gain insight into what customers want than by asking them directly. Encourage the use of comment and feedback cards by your customers. Express how much you genuinely value their input and take their comments to heart.
4. Make your business a place people want to be.
Making your business an inviting place for customers is an excellent way to earn repeat business. If customers enjoy frequenting your establishment they’re far more likely to recommend you to friends and family. Ensure that every time a customer steps foot through your door they’ll have a positive experience.
5. Be active and visible.
By integrating yourself into the community and associating yourself with positive action you can build brand recognition for company. Sponsor local sports teams and volunteer to host events. Donating services and products for charity events is another fantastic way to make your company visible in a positive manner.
6. Reward customer loyalty.
Rewarding loyalty gives customers a reason to keep coming back. In addition it gives you a medium to show your gratitude for their repeat business. Customers take notice and appreciate gestures that acknowledge their loyalty, even if it’s something small.
No matter how much the times change, the basic fundamentals of good business will remain constant. Regardless of businesses present size and successes, failure to adhere to sound principles can lead to decline and downfall. Those same fundamentals can take an emerging business to the next level of success.
Author’s Bio
Brionna Kennedy is native to the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Washington, then moving down to Oregon for college. She enjoys writing on fashion and business, but any subject will do, she loves to learn about new topics. When she isn’t writing, she lives for the outdoors. Oregon has been the perfect setting to indulge her love of kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking.
