Strengthen the Economy- one job at a time

We’ve all heard that we’re facing a recession. Whether to believe it or not is not the purpose of this blog. To see where you can impact your local economy is.

One. Recognize that spending habits have changed. People owe their lives to banks these days. How much do you have on credit cards? Yet, I bet you are still planning to take a nice holiday this year? I don’t fault you for that (I’m planning my own) but I do encourage you to evaluate your spending habits and your debt to income ratios very carefully. Make three commitments to yourself, your wallet and your responsibilities as to how you can improve over the next three months.

Two. Evaluate how you make money. What do you do best? And, how much time do you spend doing what you do best? I’ll bet that the thing that makes you the most money gets less than 25% of your time. For instance, say you have a job where your raise is based on you hitting your target. The more you surpass your target the more you make. If you just make your target you think you won, but I’d argue that you missed making more money by not going further. You probably got lost in (a) the target was too low and (b) you were spending your time pushing a lot of paper or running errands when you could have been out there making money with new clients.

So, how is this helping the economy you say? I’m getting there. It’s all about outsourcing. Outsource the things that you don’t do spectacularly. Outsource the things that take your time away from what you do well- and what makes your money grow. Spend a little to get more.

Hire a house cleaner. Hire a virtual assistant. Hire someone to wash your car once a week. Buy your time- literally, by paying for someone else’s.

Sure, I could do my taxes on my own but the time and aggravation are not worth it to me. I’d rather pay an expert in the field and then spend my time (and ease of mind) playing racquetball. Okay, Okay, so I don’t make money playing racquetball but I do build my confidence, keep myself in shape and have a great time doing it. All of that helps me to be my best when I face my clients- which does make me money.

Happy outsourcing. Happy Money. Happy Economy. Oh, and Happy Vacationing. Have one on me.

How can I make more money? Its easy. Really.

What’s an EASY and QUICK way to improve your business and make more money?

Be a great referral so that people enjoy referring you! If you don’t do what you do well or if people don’t like you – you are not a great referral. I’m sorry, but the truth hurts sometimes.

Now, how can you ensure that you are a GREAT referral?

I’ll give you two basics...
Take stock in what you are offering.
Admit you and your company are NOT perfect.

Take stock in what you are offering.
Make a list of your products and/or services? Did you include exceptional customer service as an offering? You should have- but ONLY if you really strive for it. To strive for it you must first define it and know how to include it in your business. Remember, it’s not only what we sell but how we do it that matters. In fact, it can matter more how you sell and follow up than the widget you offer. To begin taking stock in what you offer answer the following questions:
What does customer service mean to your staff? (Don’t ask them rather observe them- get a mystery shopper if you have to)
Do they share your philosophy on how to treat clients?
Do you know how your clients feel about your last interaction with them? (If not, ask them today)
How often do your clients refer you to their friends? (If they don’t you have a problem)
Do you have repeat customers? What percentage? (If you don’t or its under 80%, you have a problem)

Admit you and your company are NOT perfect.
None of us are. However, that is not an excuse to be mediocre. Every unsatisfied customer you have is a failure- on you and your company. Sure, there are jerks everywhere and once in a while you’ll find you did your absolute best and someone wasn’t happy. But, that is often not the case. More likely, you or your staff FAILED to understand the customer’s needs, keep in touch, follow up, establish a great rapport, and/or deliver an outstanding product or service ON TIME. If you did, you would have had a happier customer- and a win- for you and your company.

To learn about your own imperfections do the following:

Follow up with every non-repeat customer you have and ask them how you could have done better. (Remember, it’s not personal, it’s business. Put your armor on- this may hurt.)
From each follow up, create a lesson learned and recommendation to improve.
Constantly assess you and your staffs communication skills, industry knowledge and dedication to the business. Everyone should be interested in growth (in all ways) and improvement- when that exists your company will be better for it.