The next step is to create a plan on how to correct any weaknesses and strengthen areas that are ‘wobbly’.
Focus on Your Customers
Your Customers are at the heart of your business. They are the lifeblood of your business because if you don’t have customers, you don’t have a business. When deciding what actions to take to strengthen your business, always keep your customers front and center.
Before making changes, consider how they will affect the customer experience. If customer experience is one of your key competitive advantages, be especially careful about changes. If you do make changes that will directly affect the customer, communicate with your customers right away. Explain why you have to make the changes and the outcomes you expect.
Don’t stop there. Ask your customers for feedback regarding the changes you’ve made. Remember that many people do not readily accept or gravitate to change. Therefore, you may need to make sure you get buy-in and then explain that the benefits may take a little time to become apparent.
By communicating consistently and regularly, your customers will be the best source of providing results. Make sure to acknowledge them and if you implement any of their recommendations, let your customers know. They will feel valued and invested in your business as the emotional connection increases, and they remain loyal customers.
During times of global crisis, it’s especially important to keep the focus on customers. People will remember the actions you take. If you seek to serve your customers, even at the expense of profit, you’ll build goodwill. In turn, this goodwill could quite possibly lead to referrals and loyalty.
It’s as Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said; people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced during the pandemic? What strategies have you implemented to ensure your small business success during these challenging times?
In my next post, I will share practical steps you can take to stop and leaks in your small business and prepare yourself to meet any further challenges.
Good points Yvonne! Thanks.
You’re right about small business success.
What you write about the business also applies to you as the owner.
And allowing yourself to grow both personally and in your skills as professional matters, too.
Now is a good time to advance your skills — whether for small business success or career and personal life.
blessings,
Cynthia