When was the last time that you took a critical look at you business premises? I suspect the answer, unless you are in a franchised business that requires it or a shopping centre, is never.
So what do your customers think when they come to buy from you or make use of your services??
There are times when you just need to suck it up, spend some money and improve how your business looks. What your customers and clients see and experience when they come to your business needs to be a reflection of what and how you promote yourself. If you are promoting the business as being at the forefront of the industry but the building looks like a Cold War relic, then which are they to believe. If you say you are customer focused but there is no where to sit nor a cup of coffee offered then should they believe the advertising or the experience.
At our Bomaderry office the building is a classic red brick that was showing some age. So we had it rendered and put up new signage, and the positive comments about the appearance really made it worthwhile, and added a bit more pride to our team. It stands out in a positive way. And it didn't cost the earth.
Here's a tip.
Walk out of your business and go for a drive.
Go to a couple of your competitors and have a look at their premises. Make note of what you as a customer would notice. Look at both the good and the bad.
Now go back to your premises, and approach it as if it is the first time you have been there.
What does the building look like? Is it dirty, daggy, blown lights, cobwebs? Or is it in great condition, clean and representative of how you sell the business?
Now go inside. Clean and vacuumed? Stock and files put away neatly? Team members smiling and well dressed? Or stuff everywhere, more cobwebs and lights blown, everyone looking like their dog just died?
How did the team respond when the door opened?
It all matters, and if you think it doesn't then you're kidding yourself. Price and product often come behind the experience.
Be critical because you only get to make a first impression once. And then do something about it. Hire a cleaner for a thorough once over and then to maintain it weekly or fortnightly. Tidy up across the board. Your customers will get a better experience and you'll wear your chest a bit prouder.
Remember - even supermodels use a bit of blush and mascara, so what's stopping you using a bit of spit and polish?
Monday, 11 July 2011
Friday, 1 July 2011
Happy New Financial Year - what's your resolution?
Its the start of a new financial year, and if new calender years are anything to go by people will be making plans for the year about what they are going to do financially; be it improving their financial health, losing so of the weight of debt and just generally getting their finances in shape.
So why is it that this time next year there will be so many businesses and individuals in a similar, if not worse, position than they are in now?
Like their new calender year resolutions, are they just plucked pie in the sky claims and figures? Have they been unrealistic? Will some unforeseen circumstance befall them?
The key to being successful with your financial year plans is to make sure they are well thought out, have a solid base from what you know, and are not ridiculously ambitious ("I'll have my $200,000 mortgage paid off this year, despite my $80,000 income").
Where to start.
1. Have a household or business budget. Base it on what you know happened last year, and make sure you allow for increases in prices, especially electricity. Don't factor increases in income that you may not get; if you get it then there is some cream.
2. Review your debts. Just what debts do you have? Are you using short-term debt (eg credit card, overdraft) which has higher interest rates for funding long-term purchases? Have a mortgage broker run over your loan situation to see if there is a better option out there. And with loan exit fees now banned it could be a good time to move lenders.
3. Use your accountant for more than just your tax. They have a wealth of knowledge in finance and business, and are a great sounding board. Sure it will cost you something but what it may cost you otherwise in making an under-informed decision could be much, much more.
4. Consider yourself successful and talk about yourself as being successful. Its the power of positive thinking.
All the best for the new financial year.
And remember to call Cliftons - THE Business Specialists
So why is it that this time next year there will be so many businesses and individuals in a similar, if not worse, position than they are in now?
Like their new calender year resolutions, are they just plucked pie in the sky claims and figures? Have they been unrealistic? Will some unforeseen circumstance befall them?
The key to being successful with your financial year plans is to make sure they are well thought out, have a solid base from what you know, and are not ridiculously ambitious ("I'll have my $200,000 mortgage paid off this year, despite my $80,000 income").
Where to start.
1. Have a household or business budget. Base it on what you know happened last year, and make sure you allow for increases in prices, especially electricity. Don't factor increases in income that you may not get; if you get it then there is some cream.
2. Review your debts. Just what debts do you have? Are you using short-term debt (eg credit card, overdraft) which has higher interest rates for funding long-term purchases? Have a mortgage broker run over your loan situation to see if there is a better option out there. And with loan exit fees now banned it could be a good time to move lenders.
3. Use your accountant for more than just your tax. They have a wealth of knowledge in finance and business, and are a great sounding board. Sure it will cost you something but what it may cost you otherwise in making an under-informed decision could be much, much more.
4. Consider yourself successful and talk about yourself as being successful. Its the power of positive thinking.
All the best for the new financial year.
And remember to call Cliftons - THE Business Specialists
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