Core Business Solutions Advice

1. Let people know you care about them. Just as simple as asking how they are doing today? How is their family?
2. Help people understand how their work fits into the company's goals. "You know Bob the great effort you are providing in your position really helps all of us move the company forward. Your quality control saves us time and allows us to provide the most consistent product to our customers"
3. Be sure your team sets realistic goals. Let your teams from ground up set their own goals. You'll be amazed how often the goal they set for themselves is above what you would have suggested.
4. Tell people how they will benefit from a strong performance.  "With effort and performance this team is putting in will help the company grow which allows us to provide the best safety equipment for all."
5. Listen to suggestions, opinions and ideas. This is critical in team building.  How often are you having meaningful team meetings which allow anyone to contribute ideas or feedback. Are your managers really listening to them? As the owner, are you attending these meetings?
6. Give praise and recognition.  When someone does well be sure they are immediately acknowledged for it.  A simple " Thanks John for going that extra mile."  Do you have a structured 'Employee Recognition" program?  Why Not?
7. Keep in mind that achievement itself is a great motivator.  When someone is recognized for an outstanding effort they are more likely to want to repeat the effort.
8. Reassign people who aren't contributing.   Sometimes people struggle at a position or just do not want to contribute more then the minimum. Many times if you reassign them to a different area of responsibility they could blossom for you.

As the Holiday Shopping Season has begun I thought it would be a good time to share some thoughts about Customer Loyalty. We all know that keeping one customer is so less expensive than acquiring a new customer. So here are some ideas to help you retain your current customers.

6. Communicate. Whether it is an email newsletter, monthly flier, a reminder card for a tune up, or a holiday greeting card, reach out to your steady customers and do it often.
7. Customer Service. Go the extra distance and meet customer needs. Train the staff to do the same. Customers remember being treated well. It's about customer satisfaction, that's what brings people back to you.
8. Employee Loyalty. Loyalty works from the top down. If you are loyal to your employees, they will feel positively about their jobs and pass that loyalty along to your customers.
9. Employee Training. Train employees in the manner that you want them to interact with customers. Empower employees to make decisions that benefit the customer.
10. Customer Incentives. Give customers a reason to return to your business. For instance, because children outgrow shoes quickly, the owner of a children’s shoe store might offer a card that makes the tenth pair of shoes half price. Or install a customer loyalty or "VIP" program that rewards your customers or clients for repeat business. Likewise, a dentist may give a free cleaning to anyone who has seen him regularly for five years.