Friday's Success Tip

In my 40+ years of business experience I have found one of the consistent requested areas of need regardless of the type of business and industry is getting feedback from customers and/or impacted parties.  To accomplish this most all businesses turn to surveys. 

There are literally thousands of surveys that are available to accomplish everything from discovering the most pleasing wall colors that put customers at ease to key words to use which psychologically build connections with customers.  Most all of these surveys provide valuable data critical to providing a basis for the catch phrase of "top of the line" customer service. 

As a business owner or key leader in a responsible function what is the "real" information you seek?  If I were to respond with an answer of wanting to know why people do business with you or what they don't like about your operation; and, how business could be grown and retained in the future, how close might I be to your ideal information?  My experience tells me that I might be affirming your interests. 

Sometimes the simple things in life provide the greatest insight into how we can do a better job of operating our business and achieving the goals we have for our operation.  Here is a great 3 question survey that can be used in written form, verbally administered, or, even used in email format to help you zero in on customer interests and needs.  It is non- threatening; yet, if used consistently, will provide you with sufficient information to charter a course of continuous success.  The questions are:

1) What do you enjoy about doing business with us?

2) What aspect of the way we do business would you change or alter?

3)  What must we do  in the future to retain and grow your business with us?

Here is one additional bonus question you can also utilize:

4) If you were going to recommend someone to do business with us, who would that be and why would you recommend they do business with us? 

If you will utilize this simply survey and be consistent in its administration and use, you may be pleasantly surprised about the results you gain. Results which will allow your business to grow and your customer base to increase.  All it takes is the commitment to begin!