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Customers are a privilege, not a right

The world is evolving rapidly and businesses must evolve with it in order to succeed

It’s no secret that in order to be successful, a business must offer products and/or services that are in demand, at a price people are willing to pay, and at a time that is convenient for them to purchase. Friendly service, a welcoming environment, reliability and consistency are also vital.  Some great examples of this exist here in Hope.

Given today’s competitive business landscape, it’s more important than ever that businesses view customers as something they earn rather than something they are entitled to. With so many options available, both “bricks & mortar” and online, it is imperative that businesses make a concerted effort to provide value, exceed expectations, and create loyalty.

The world is evolving rapidly, and businesses must evolve with it in order to succeed. Looking for new and different ways to do business, deliver products/services, expand offerings, and attract/retain customers is crucial. Finding ways to expand beyond local markets and take advantage of global opportunities is another important piece of the equation.

When a business doesn’t survive, it’s generally due to a mismatch of some kind. To avoid this fate, business owners must know their customers and potential customers well, invite feedback, objectively assess the value they offer, and continually enhance that value.

If you’d like your business to be more successful, start by asking yourself and your customers the following questions and take action based on the answers:

1. What am I doing well?

2. What could I do better?

3. What additional products and/or services would be of value?

4. Am I missing opportunities to grow/evolve my business?

Keep doing what you’re doing well, and make adjustments in the areas that could use improvement.

By treating customer relationships as a privilege rather than a right, finding ways to add value, and adapting to the inevitable changes that occur, businesses put themselves in a strong position to succeed.

Michelle Richardson

Hope, B.C.