Irrespective of industry or field, two groups of people will determine how far you go as an entrepreneur. In case you have not guessed it already, they are your customers and your employees.
With that said, lets us look into three of the best ways to stand out to both of them.
Top-grade Corporate Facilities
Among other things, one of the many reasons why plenty of college graduates want to work at Google LCC, Microsoft Corporation, or Apple Inc. is their corporate facilities. These are unique, cutting-edge work environments filled with all kinds of amenities ideal for employees’ imaginations to run free and innovation to continuously take place. In addition, they are located in areas surrounded by nature where people can take a walk, play sports, or relieve the stresses of the daily slog.
Of course, your enterprise will probably not have sufficient financial resources to rival the aforementioned multinational giants. But that doesn’t mean you cannot improve your place of labor both for yourself and anybody who visits it.
For instance, you could change the layout or fix the windows and doors. Or you could ask one of several plastic sheet suppliers to come over and take a look at your roof and exterior design.
The key is not what you do but rather that you give your office space that instant appeal that only comes with authenticity and being one of a kind.
Your First Customer
Most people often think that a company’s first customer is the individual or business that gave it its first sale. And while this is certainly one way to look at it, there are others as well. One of the most important ones can be found by looking inwards within your firm and focusing on the primary reason it is moving forward. And that reason is the men and women that work with you every day. It is your employees.
No matter how gullible some of them may seem, your potential and existing clients are not stupid, at least not more than once. Sooner or later, they will figure out what you are about and act accordingly. Sooner or later, they will realize whether the people working for you are happy or if they would much rather be anywhere else but in your office.
The same is true for your staff. They can also see how you treat your clients, how often you lie to them, and if what you are selling is worth what you are asking for or nothing but a scam. Keep in mind that happy workers will treat your clients better, and satisfied clients will make your company succeed.
It Starts with You
In the South American nation of Colombia, there is a popular saying describing the importance of being present when you want a favor. Translated literally, it would go something like, “It is the saint’s face that makes the miracle.” This means that if you need my help, you will have a much greater chance of getting it if you ask for it in person.
Your company is your company. It is not mine or anybody else’s. As such, no one has a greater responsibility or influence in its success than you.
But how does that apply to both an employee and a customer perspective? For starters, it is about talking to your staff face-to-face as often as you can. It’s about allowing them to see you and realize that you care for your business, but also about them.
As for your clients, it entails you taking part in important meetings instead of sending your assistant. And if they are not happy about something and you have the time, you should put in the effort to fix it yourself. By doing this, you are showing your commitment to them, not to mention how valuable your organization is to you.
As you can see, there are three essential aspects to help you differentiate yourself from the competition in the eyes of both your customers and your employees. The first one is to make your office as attractive, welcoming, and special as it can be. The second is treating your internal customers the same way you deal with those making you money. Finally, it’s about being present in the ins and outs of your firm.
Not everybody will buy from you, and not everyone will want to work for you. Still, if you make an effort to take care of both, those that choose to trust you with their money or livelihoods will be worth more to your firm than the many who have chosen someone else.
