Entrepreneurs, Let’s Talk Frankly About the Dreaded “S” Word

Covid isn’t over. In fact, the virus is probably here to stay for a long, long time, perhaps forever as endemic. But, the worst is likely well behind us. However, some small business owners are using the pandemic as an excuse and customers aren’t buying it. This is because consumers are well aware of what’s really going on and do not take kindly to such unbelievable explanations. So, it’s time for small business owners to stop using Covid as an excuse. Now, let’s take a look at why it’s so damaging. Excuses are Bad for Business Small business owners have a lot on their plate. They are responsible for wearing many hats and often have to do everything themselves. This can lead to some owners making excuses to their customers when things don’t go as planned. While it may be tempting to do this, it’s important to remember that there are many consequences for doing so. This is because there are compelling reasons why small business owners should never make excuses to their customers. Business experts wince at pandemic excuses because, well, they’re excuses, which are not the bailiwick of successful entrepreneurs—who are, by definition, problem solvers. Although tossing off a Covid excuse may seem benign, it creates a messaging problem because it’s likely deceitful: Customers are now savvy to the fact that supply chain, safety, and staffing challenges are well-established market conditions—not sudden pandemic blows. —Bloomberg Business Remember, customers will accept difficulties for what they are. They understand some situations are simply beyond a small business’ control. But, when others in the industry are moving forward, meeting their customers’ needs, it becomes dangerous for entrepreneurs to make excuses. Why Small Business Owners Shouldn’t make Excuses to their Customers Covid has become the proverbial “dog ate the homework” excuse. Sure, it is possible, but it’s also growingly becoming improbable. In other words, sure, the pandemic and shutdown may have lingering effects. But, to apply it capriciously is just a bad business practice. Some of the reasons why small business owners should never make excuses to their customers include: It harms credibility. When a small business owner makes an excuse to a customer, they are essentially saying that they are not capable of handling the situation. This can cause the customer to lose faith in the small business and may never use their services again. Businesses can suffer a bad name. If a small business is known for making excuses to their customers, it will not be long before word gets out. Customers will start to avoid doing business with them because they know that they will not be able to count on them to deliver what they promise. It makes owners appear ineffective. When a small business owner makes excuses to their customers, it makes them look like they are not in control of their business. This can lead to the customer questioning the owner’s ability to run their business and may cause them to take their business elsewhere. Customers may never return. If a small business owner regularly makes excuses to their customers, it is only a matter of time before they start losing them. Once a customer has had enough of being lied to, they will take their business to competitors who deliver and may never come back. As you can see, there are many reasons why small business owners should never make excuses to their customers. While it may be tempting to do so in the moment, it is important to remember that the consequences can be very severe. If you are a small business owner, do your best to always be honest with your customers and never make excuses for your mistakes. Your business will be better off in the long run. Do you have any tips for small business owners on how to avoid making excuses to their customers? 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.

How Business Owners Can Effectively Deal with Loud Quitting In the extremely fast-paced world of small business, a unique and often frustrating trend has emerged that’s a disturbing sequel to Quiet Quitting known as “Loud Quitting.” This phenomenon refers to employees who depart from their positions in a manner that disrupts the workplace, creating tension and negatively impacting team morale. As a small business owner, dealing with loud quitting can be challenging, but it’s crucial to address the issue head-on to maintain a healthy work environment. Understanding Loud Quitting Loud quitting can manifest in various ways, from confrontational resignations and public outbursts to passive-aggressive behavior during the notice period. It often stems from dissatisfaction, stress, or a lack of communication within the workplace. Identifying the root causes is the first step in effectively dealing with this disruptive trend. The trend began to gain traction earlier this year and reached a peak during mid to late summer. Since then, it’s not particularly been as widespread but with the end of the year fast approaching and 2024 right around the corner, the lasting impressions of The Great Resignation could very well spark another robust round of bold employee departures. So, it’s best to be prepared rather than just hope it won’t happen again. The Impact on Business Loud quitting can have far-reaching consequences for a small business. It not only disrupts the daily workflow but also has the potential to harm the company’s reputation both internally and externally. A toxic work environment resulting from loud quitting can contribute to decreased employee morale, increased turnover, and difficulties in attracting new talent. Tips for Dealing with Loud Quitting Fortunately, there are ways companies of all sizes can prepare and deal with this behavior – either to prevent it from manifesting or to minimize its impact when it does occur. Here are some effective strategies for dealing with loud quitting you can use: 1. Foster Open Communication Encourage a culture of open communication within your workplace. Regularly check in with employees to understand their concerns and address any issues promptly. Providing channels for feedback can help employees feel heard and prevent dissatisfaction from escalating to the point of a loud departure. 2. Implement Exit Interviews Conducting exit interviews can provide valuable insights into the reasons behind an employee’s departure. This process allows departing employees to express their thoughts, helping you identify patterns or areas for improvement within the organization. 3. Set Clear Expectations Clearly communicate expectations regarding behavior, performance, and workplace conduct from the outset. Having a comprehensive employee handbook and conducting orientation sessions can ensure that all team members are on the same page, reducing the likelihood of disruptive exits. 4. Provide Adequate Support Ensure that employees feel supported in their roles. This includes offering professional development opportunities, recognizing achievements, and addressing concerns promptly. A well-supported team is less likely to resort to loud quitting as a means of expressing dissatisfaction. 5. Create a Positive Workplace Culture Foster a positive workplace culture that values teamwork, respect, and collaboration. Recognize and celebrate achievements, and promote a healthy work-life balance. Employees who feel valued and connected to the workplace are less likely to engage in disruptive behavior upon leaving. 6. Develop a Comprehensive Offboarding Process Implementing a thoughtful offboarding process can help manage the departure of employees more smoothly. Provide clear guidelines for the notice period, ensure a thorough handover of responsibilities, and maintain professionalism throughout the transition. 7. Address Issues Proactively If you notice signs of dissatisfaction or tension among employees, address these issues proactively. Ignoring or downplaying concerns can contribute to an environment where loud quitting becomes more prevalent. Summing All of It Up Dealing with loud quitting requires a proactive and strategic approach from business owners. By understanding the root causes, fostering open communication, and implementing supportive practices, you can curb this obnoxious trend and create a healthier, more positive work environment. Small business success hinges on the strength of its team and maintaining a cohesive and productive workplace. Remember, a happy and engaged team is more likely to contribute to the long-term success of your business. If you want to grow your company in 2024 but you are not sure what is required to make that growth happen? Attend our “Planning for Growth” half-day workshop where you will get amazing details specific to your business for what’s needed from your marketing, your sales team, your production team, and your financial performance to enter 2024 with confidence you can indeed grow as planned. You will have the clarity you’ve always wanted but didn’t know how to create. Contact us for dates and times. We GUARANTEE that you will leave this workshop knowing exactly what to do to grow, profit and cash flow your company like you always dreamed you could. Contact us by phone or email! By phone 602-435-5474 By email: SteveM@WatersBusinessConsulting.com Don’t wait! This is a great opportunity to propel your business into 2024!

For a startup retail business, creating a strong brand identity is crucial to stand out in a competitive market. In other words, details matter and they matter a lot when it comes to brand identity. So, nothing should be overlooked. For instance, employee uniforms play a significant role in shaping that identity, as they are a direct representation of your brand and values. The right employee uniforms can reinforce your brand message, foster a sense of unity among your team, and leave a lasting impression on customers. How New Start-Up Retailers Should Choose Employee Uniforms When you’re starting a new retail business, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is what to wear. Do you want your employees to wear uniforms? If so, what kind of uniforms will best represent your brand? With this in mind, here are a few things to consider when selecting employee uniforms for a startup retail business: Your brand identity. What kind of image do you want to project to your customers? Do you want your employees to look professional, stylish, or casual? The style of your uniforms should reflect your brand identity. The type of work your employees do. If your employees are going to be on their feet all day, you’ll need to choose comfortable uniforms that can withstand wear and tear. If your employees are working in a hazardous environment, you’ll need to choose uniforms that provide protection. Your budget. Uniforms can be expensive, so you’ll need to set a budget before you start shopping. There are a variety of ways to save money on uniforms, such as buying them in bulk or looking for discounts. Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start shopping for uniforms. But, before you begin your search, you should do a few things first so you don’t wind up wasting valuable time. Here are a few tips for finding the right uniforms for your startup retail business: Talk to your employees. Get their input on what they would like to wear. They’ll be the ones wearing the uniforms, so it’s important that they feel comfortable and confident in them. Shop around. Compare prices from different vendors before you make a decision. You may be able to find a better deal if you shop online and/or look for discounts. Choose a reputable vendor. Make sure the vendor you choose has a good reputation for quality and customer service. After all, as your business grows, you’ll need a reliable source for future uniforms. With a little planning, you can find the perfect employee uniforms for your startup retail business. Your uniforms will help to create a professional and polished image for your brand, and they’ll make your employees feel confident and comfortable. Now, to ensure you’re making the right decision, here are some additional tips for selecting employee uniforms for a startup retail business: Choose colors that complement your store’s branding. If your store has a specific color scheme, choose uniforms that match or coordinate with those colors. This will help to create a cohesive look for your employees and your store. Consider the climate where your store is located. If you’re located in a warm climate, you’ll need to choose uniforms that are lightweight and breathable. If you’re located in a cold climate, you’ll need to choose uniforms that are warm and comfortable. Make sure the uniforms are comfortable and durable. This is definitely worth repeating. Your employees will be spending a lot of time in their uniforms, so it’s important that they’re comfortable and durable. Choose uniforms that are made from high-quality materials that will withstand wear and tear. Consider the needs of your employees. Some employees may have special needs, such as uniforms that are loose-fitting or that accommodate disabilities. Make sure to consider the needs of your employees when choosing uniforms. By following these tips and using your own judgment and getting input from others, you can select employee uniforms that will help to create a professional and polished image for your startup retail business. Your uniforms will make your employees feel confident and comfortable, and they’ll help to promote your brand. Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.