- Joined
- Nov 29, 2009
- Messages
- 7,262
The last three small business owners I've used to do things for me have left me with a disgusting taste in my mouth so here are a few simple but key elements to running a successful small business.
1. Do what the customer wants even if you don't necessarily agree with the way they want it done just as long as it isn't unsafe.
2. Do what you say you're going to do. If you tell the customer you're going to work on something for them then actually work on it and make good progress on the job. Don't tell them 5 days in a row and still have nothing to show for it.
3. Have the job completed on time if not earlier.
4. If the customer comes back later on with a problem or isn't happy then fix it in some way shape or form. Don't say well let me finish this up then i'll get to your thing, then basically kick them to the curb and never actually fix the issue.
5. The only good customer is a happy customer.
6. Word of mouth is EVERYTHING. So often you have people who are so talented and do great work, but unfortunately they do what they want, so how is a person supposed to recommend you when they don't do the above things I mentioned? Yes he does great work, but their is no telling when he will actually get done with it. If you can wait two months then hey go ahead and use the guy. Are you really to recommend this guy or will they just use someone else?
7. DO NOT rely on the next job to fund the previous job. If you don't have enough money in the bank to pay for at least the next three jobs then you're done. Why? Because you can't be competitive by running to the hardware store 3 times a day to buy an overpriced can of paint that you could have bought in bulk somewhere else with a commercial account. You're already at a disadvantage because you don't have the buying power of the big boys, so why make it even more difficult by not having any money in the bank? Keep a minimum amount in the bank, say 15k and pretend that you're broke when your balance hits 15k.
1. Do what the customer wants even if you don't necessarily agree with the way they want it done just as long as it isn't unsafe.
2. Do what you say you're going to do. If you tell the customer you're going to work on something for them then actually work on it and make good progress on the job. Don't tell them 5 days in a row and still have nothing to show for it.
3. Have the job completed on time if not earlier.
4. If the customer comes back later on with a problem or isn't happy then fix it in some way shape or form. Don't say well let me finish this up then i'll get to your thing, then basically kick them to the curb and never actually fix the issue.
5. The only good customer is a happy customer.
6. Word of mouth is EVERYTHING. So often you have people who are so talented and do great work, but unfortunately they do what they want, so how is a person supposed to recommend you when they don't do the above things I mentioned? Yes he does great work, but their is no telling when he will actually get done with it. If you can wait two months then hey go ahead and use the guy. Are you really to recommend this guy or will they just use someone else?
7. DO NOT rely on the next job to fund the previous job. If you don't have enough money in the bank to pay for at least the next three jobs then you're done. Why? Because you can't be competitive by running to the hardware store 3 times a day to buy an overpriced can of paint that you could have bought in bulk somewhere else with a commercial account. You're already at a disadvantage because you don't have the buying power of the big boys, so why make it even more difficult by not having any money in the bank? Keep a minimum amount in the bank, say 15k and pretend that you're broke when your balance hits 15k.
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