More questions to think about when evaluating your business. Get a pen and paper and answer the following questions below to help you evaluate what you are doing right and ultimately things you can do to change what is not working.
6. Are you using the online resources available to small businesses? Do you have a marketing budget? Do you need one? Have you implemented social media in your marketing? Marketing is one part of your business that you can NOT afford to ignore; yet, I hear more and more business owners say they can’t afford marketing. I say, Find the money! It’s that important.
7. What do you do to build your community presence? Is there a school nearby? Can you donate your services? If you own a doughnut shop–send a couple dozen donuts to the teachers once a month! They will remember that and for sure stop by on their way home at least a couple of days a month and pick up those tasteful, warm, donuts that you just took out of the oven. Do you sponsor a little league team? Or donate a portion of the proceeds to your local shelters? All questions you should ask yourself. Not only do you want to build your community presence but also build your online website presence.
8. Are you listed in the online directories or maps? I gotta tell ya–you need to be. MegaWire Marketing can help you get your business not only Google Friendly but also listed with the search engines. If you’re NOT listed–get listed right now. It only takes a few minutes to call the experts at MegaWire. Call 360-600-3228 for details, the returns are so worth the time to make the call.
9. Do you look your customers in the eye when you talk to them? Does your staff? Why is that most business put non educated folks on the front line of their business? I’ve always wondered that. Think about this! The first impression is the hardest one to overcome and if you’ve got untrained, uneducated people on the front line of your business…STOP right now and get them trained. I don’t mean get them an education. I mean get them trained in proper customer service techniques. Your bottom line has the potential to double. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone through a check out line and not once did the employee look me in the eye. Wow, I avoid those employees every time I have to check out…watch your front line. Ask your friend to shop at your store anonymously and give you a report. Don’t get mad if they tell you about their true experience.
10. While taking care of your customers is important; another area I see small business owners completely ignoring…is their biggest asset. No, not your bottom dollar. They are your employees. Are they happy? Do you treat them fairly? Do you value their input? Do you give bonuses for timely completion of tasks or projects? Do you ask about their families?
Anyway, I’ve been writing for a long time today; and I think I’m questioned out. I hope you’ve enjoyed this two-part series as much as I enjoyed putting it together. I could probably come up with another 100 questions–but then you’d never make it through your quarter of the year business evaluation.
Do you have other ideas or questions? Comment on this post! I look forward to hearing from you.
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