Greetings!
Once again it's time to celebrate our independence - as a country, as individuals, and as business owners. Despite the economy, despite the government and our elected officials, we have the opportunity to create the business of our dreams. We continue to be an example for the rest of the world. Celebrate! |
| Just Treating Symptoms? | |
"Take two aspirin and call me in the morning" is a prescription that isn't as common today as it was before malpractice litigation got so popular. As advice it's generally effective. Most of our physical complaints will disappear overnight if we mask the pain and get a good night's sleep. It's probably the sleep that really makes the difference. I know it's true for me.
In business there are times when a similar approach is required. Some people just have bad days - be it attitude, focus, or just showing up. Sometimes it's best, as an owner, to recognize it as a temporary problem and find a way to treat the symptoms by providing some extra help, understanding, or time off.
It's important, however, to recognize when it's not a temporary condition but a real problem - the equivalent of having an infection or a broken bone. In these cases treating the symptoms will never cure the problem. What's needed is action. You wouldn't hesitate to go to the emergency room if you couldn't control pain with a simple over-the-counter medication. Yet, many business owners prefer to limp along with a painful problem and hope that it will go away on its own.
When I visit my doctor with a physical complaint she takes the time to figure out what the problem really is. She determines that the pain and stiffness in my fingers can be traced to an issue with the tendons near my elbow. So too in business, a poor customer experience might be traced to lax procedures, poor communication, or lack of employee training. Addressing the customer experience only will never solve the underlying problem. It is only by addressing the underlying problem that you can eliminate forever the symptoms that resulted.
Treat the problem, solve the symptoms. |
| Focus on Sales | |
If you visit the Emergency Room notice how you are treated. The standard of care is very high, but you are just a case, not a patient. They seem to assume they'll never see you again. It's different (or should be) when you visit your doctor.
In business sometimes we have just transactions. More often we hope to have customers. Trying to turn a transaction into a customer can often be a waste of their time and yours. Always remember, however, that anyone can be a referral source. Don't mess that up. |
| Networking Tips | |
If you want to know the quality of a carpenter's work check his tools. If he has the right tools, they are sharp and organized, chances are the quality of his work will be good. As a networker, how do your tools look?
Your most important tool is your business card. Take one out and examine it as though you had never seen it before. What is the impression it conveys? What about the message? It is simple and clear? Is it easy to understand what you do and how to reach you? If not, sharpen your tool. |
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If you have ideas for future issues or questions on this one, let me know. Who do you know who would enjoy reading these articles? Use the "Forward to a friend" link below.
Solving problems,
Dave Ferguson
The Growth Coach |
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Social Media?
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Yes, I'm on Facebook and LinkedIn and Twitter. Take the time to look me up and then connect. It doesn't cost anything to participate and, who knows, it might lead to business.
I don't claim to be an expert. I don't have to be because I know a bunch of prople who are. If you are challenged by social media, I'll be happy to steer you to the right person to help you get started or make a bigger impact
 on Facebook
 on Twitter
 on LinkedIn |
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