Looking Ahead…2024

With a New Year approaching, it’s time to begin thinking about bringing new energy back into our businesses. How can we motivate our employees to deliver more value to our customers is essential. Keep in mind, that the growth of your business can only come by learning from past experiences that can provoke new ideas to remain competitive.

Top of mind is, “How do we increase sales?” Finding ways to build more business is fine in its place, but the reality is, it starts with what you already have. Here are just a few pointers that can help bring clarity to your 2024 game plan.

• ­Leadership – For many of us, our business has grown to the point where we can no longer be in front of every customer. As a result, your staff now becomes a more vital part of your company. Their attitude toward their job and you, as a leader, will reflect back to your customers. Do every thing you can to keep your employees engaged and share with them your vision. Motivate, inspire, and show your appreciation for their hard work – you’ll get it back ten fold. Demonstrate interest in your staff. Help your employees develop their abilities. Make them a greater asset to themselves and your business. Happy employees means happy customers.
• Customer Relations – Treat every customer as if they were the most important person on earth. You know, in the same manner you expect to be treated. Your customers will become loyal to you and will be glad to give recommendations. Growing your business begins with holding onto what you have first.
• Value – Deliver value to your customers. Give them a reason to come back to you. I don’t mean give stuff away; I mean real value–excellent service. Become a trusted advisor in your line of work, that will create a stronger bond of trust. Create emotional connections with your customers to make their experience with you and your company memorable.
• Project a Positive Attitude – Smile a lot. You think I’m crazy ­right? It is amazing how people react to a happy face. Your attitude toward others is delivered to your customers with your facial expression. How important you make them feel begins with a smile. When a customer enters your store, smile and greet them like family andyou will see what I mean. If they don’t react to your welcoming demeanor, just keep smiling. Eventually, killing them with human kindness will be impossible to resist.

Yes, we all want to make more sales, but stop thinking about it in those terms. Put your energy into the things that will ultimately impact your ability to make more money– by earning it! Work harder on you, your staff and existing customers. If treated with appreciation and respect, your employees and your customers will bring you toward building a more efficient and profitable business in 2024.