Business Education

No, Your Customers Don’t Really Care (or Want to Hear) about Your Problems – So Stop Complaining

The economy is in a recession. Interest rates are going up. Inflation is rising. There’s a labor shortage. (And, materials are still not readily available.) The list can go on and on and on. What’s even worse, is there are business owners actually do go on and on. They complain about this, that, and the other thing. Some even take it to the next level and complain about things that haven’t even happened yet. Then, although somewhat rare, there are entrepreneurs out there who go so far as to put their gripes and grievances on social media. This doesn’t paint a very positive picture and of course, it does absolutely nothing to correct what is perceived to be or is wrong. In reality, it does far more harm than it does through catharsis. So, if you’re guilty of this extremely unattractive behavior it’s time to stop, and here’s why.

The Internet is Forever

All right, very few business owners actually do complain over the internet but where it’s mostly found is social media. Regardless of the digital property, the internet is forever, meaning that once it is out there, it’s usually not possible to take it back. Even if you’re able to delete it, you’ve already left a negative impression.

We sometimes deny that we’re complaining. Instead, we say that we’re just “being honest,” “venting” or “blowing off steam.” But don’t kid yourself: Whenever you insert negative feelings into a conversation without some sort of resolution, you’re complaining. It’s tempting because there is a lot about entrepreneurship to complain about —Entrepreneur.com

Then, there’s something else to keep in mind. Business owners don’t need to be the ones writing complaints about this or that on the web. Dissatisfied customers will do that instead (and probably with good reason). In other words, if you complain to your customers or in front of them, there’s a good chance they’ll share that experience and that isn’t good for your business’s public reputation.

Instead of Complaining, Do the Following

Everyone is guilty and capable of letting their complaints be known. But for business owners, this is a very bad choice with no real upside. Whether you’re complaining about a problematic customer, an inhospitable vendor, or your bank charging petty nickel and dime fees, you’re still doing it with negative emotion. Sure, people will understand your frustration, but customers really don’t want to hear about it or even care.

So, what should you do when something bothers you and you’re dealing with a customer at that time? Well, the first suggestion is to ignore or resist your instinct to interject complaints and bite your tongue. If you’re able to put it off for a little while, you’ll be able to vent to the right people in an appropriate setting.

Should your personality be one that says it’s best to be honest with everyone and use that excuse as a justification, think twice before you start blurting out complaints. Ask yourself what would you think if you were the customer hearing this? Merely putting yourself in your customers’ shoes ought to be enough to dissuade you from griping. At the very least, it will give you pause to adjust your attitude.

It’s also helpful to remember that complaining doesn’t solve anything. Yes, it does allow you to get something that’s bothering you off your chest, but that’s not usually worth the ultimate cost. Remember that it is not an attractive or trustworthy trait and you’ll do yourself a huge favor.

What other advice would you give business owners who have a bad habit of complaining to customers? Please share your own thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your input!

Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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Pros and Cons of Building a Mobile App for a Small Business

April 22, 2022 No Comments

Small businesses often struggle with the decision of whether or not to build a mobile app. On one hand, there are many advantages to having an app – it can help increase brand credibility, engage customers, provide a personalized experience, act as a direct marketing channel, and let businesses create a loyalty program. However, on the other hand, there are also several disadvantages to consider – such as the cost of developing and maintaining an app, complying with Apple and Google’s store security and performance policies, the phenomenon of consumer app fatigue, and lack of customer use. In this article, we will explore both sides of the argument so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to develop an app for your small business. Biggest Advantages of Building a Mobile App for a Business Another advantage of having a mobile app is customer engagement. A study by Forrester found that 78% of smartphone users check their phone within 15 minutes of waking up, while 60% check their phone within 15 minutes of going to bed (Forrester, 2014). This constant connection gives businesses a unique opportunity to engage with their customers throughout the day. Creating a loyalty program or sending push notifications about sales and promotions can help increase customer engagement and keep your business top of mind. As consumers become increasingly connected with businesses on their smartphones and devices, many businesses develop mobile apps to connect with their customers. If your company is going the app route, you want to be sure it’s worth your time and money. While a mobile app can be an invaluable tool for many companies, certain company types may not necessarily need one. —Forbes.com Building a mobile app can also provide a more personalized experience for your customers. With an app, you can collect data about your customer’s usage patterns and preferences which can then be used to customize the experience for each individual. This is much harder to do with a website because there is less data available about how users interact with it. For example, if you own a clothing store, you could use the data collected from your app to show each user relevant products based on their previous purchases and browsing history. This personalized experience can help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Finally, having a mobile app gives businesses a direct marketing channel to reach their customers. With over 90% of Americans owning a cellphone (Pew Research Center, 2019), businesses have a unique opportunity to reach a large audience with targeted messages. You can use push notifications to send special offers and announcements directly to your customer’s phones. This is an effective way to increase sales and improve customer retention. Common Disadvantages of Building an App for a Business While there are many advantages to building a mobile app for your small business, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of before making the decision. One of the main disadvantages is cost. Developing and maintaining an app can be expensive, especially if you hire a professional company to do it for you. In addition, you will also need to pay Apple and Google a yearly fee to keep your app in their respective app stores. Another disadvantage of having a mobile app is that you have to comply with the security and performance policies of both Apple and Google. This can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you are not familiar with the technical aspects of building an app. If your app does not meet these standards, it could be removed from the store which would damage your business’s reputation. Despite the disadvantages, there are still many advantages to building a mobile app for your small business. These include increased brand credibility, improved customer engagement, and a more personalized experience for your customers. In addition, an app can act as a direct marketing channel and provide you with valuable feedback about your products and services. If you do your research and assess the needs of your target market, you can decide if a mobile app is right for your small business. What are some other pros and cons of building a mobile app for a small business? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your input! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

So, You and Your Business Partner always Agree – Why that’s Really Bad News

September 14, 2018 No Comments

“If two people in a relationship are the same, one of them is unnecessary.” You’ve probably heard this worded in one way or another. And, it does demonstrate a very good point. Often most attributable to romantic relationships, it’s just as true for business partnerships. After all, opposites attract and we’ve seen successful pairs throughout history. Take for instance Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. One, a marketing genius. The other, a hardware guru. And, completely different personalities. Winston Churchill and General Bernard Montgomery are another unlikely pair. But together, an unstoppable force. So, why is that? Why Business Partnerships are so Difficult The truth of the matter is, the business world is a tough environment. Partnerships supposedly make it easier. But, there’s the notorious five D’s of partnerships: death, disability, disinterest, drugs, and divorce. Each one alone can split up a business partnership. Successful startups often have partners who have different strengths. One person might be the technical genius, while the other takes what they do and sells it to the masses. Having two personalities allows each individual to grow. If you can’t be challenged by a partner, you probably shouldn’t be in business at all. —Fast Company.com Why do business partnerships fail so often? It could well be one of the five D’s. Then again, it could also be the two are too much alike. That takes us right back to the notion that if two people are the same, one of them isn’t necessary. Why Your Business Partner should be Your Polar Opposite Now, let’s take a quick look at why your business partner should actually be your polar opposite. Sure, it seems counterproductive and most certainly feels counterintuitive. But, there are the following advantages: It brings strengths to the surface. A business partner who is your opposite will more clearly define your weaknesses. Hence, reveal your strengths, in the process. By the way, that’s a two-way street and the same will benefit your partner. Ultimately, making it a win-win scenario. It allows both of you to learn and grow. When your business partner is the opposite, you’ll begin to see things from a different perspective, over time. That’s also a good thing because both of you will learn from one another and grow as a result. It creates a more dynamic environment. Friction is a difficult phenomenon but it is very productive at the same time. Being challenged gives rise to a number of positives — a dynamic environment is just one example. It allows you to leverage your differences. Your differences can also be a real source of inspiration and productivity. Use your differences strategically and you’ll find them advantageous in more ways than one. What other advantages are there to having such opposites? Have you found working with someone who is totally different is more beneficial? Please share your thoughts and experiences! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

How New Entrepreneurs can Deal with People Who Don’t Take Them Seriously in Business

May 11, 2023 No Comments

Financial expert and best-selling author Dave Ramsey occasionally tells a brief story about his road to success. Unsurprisingly, it involves an obstacle that he had to face and eventually overcome – his southern drawl or accent. When he started out in radio, he faced pushback from station managers in the north (particularly the northeast) who told him that their local audiences wouldn’t take him seriously because he had a southern accent. It was a cultural bias, but a real one, nonetheless. Folks up north just didn’t take him seriously. How New Entrepreneurs Can Deal with People Who Don’t Take Them Seriously in Business Entrepreneurship can be a difficult journey, and one of the biggest challenges that many entrepreneurs face is dealing with people who don’t take them seriously in the business world. Whether it’s investors, potential clients, or even friends and family, not being taken seriously can be demoralizing and discouraging. However, there are several strategies that entrepreneurs can use to overcome this obstacle and gain the respect they deserve. Develop a clear and compelling value proposition One of the most effective ways to gain credibility in the business world is to develop a clear and compelling value proposition. This means clearly articulating what your business does, why it matters, and what sets it apart from competitors. A strong value proposition can help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate to others that you are serious about your business. Build a strong network Another way to gain credibility and overcome skepticism is to build a strong network of supporters and advocates. This includes mentors, advisors, investors, and other entrepreneurs who can vouch for your skills and expertise. A strong network can also provide valuable feedback and support as you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Focus on results In the business world, results speak louder than words. By focusing on delivering results and achieving measurable goals, you can demonstrate your credibility and expertise. This may involve conducting market research, developing a minimum viable product, or securing initial customers. By showing that you can deliver on your promises, you can gain the trust and respect of others. Be confident and persistent Confidence and persistence are key traits for any successful entrepreneur. Even when faced with skepticism and criticism, it’s important to stay confident in your abilities and your business. This may involve practicing your pitch, seeking feedback, and developing a thick skin. Persistence is also important, as building a successful business often involves overcoming obstacles and setbacks. Stay focused on your vision Finally, it’s important to stay focused on your vision for your business. This may involve making tough decisions and taking risks, but ultimately it’s your vision that will guide you through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. By staying true to your vision and working tirelessly to achieve your goals, you can overcome skepticism and build a successful business. All and all, dealing with people who don’t take you seriously in the business world can be challenging, but it’s not impossible – with the right attitude and tools, you can gain the respect and credibility you deserve as an entrepreneur. So, what other bits of advice would you add to these? Please, take a moment to comment with your own thoughts and experiences in order to benefit others! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.