7 Business Resolutions to Adopt in 2010
With 2010 around the corner, businesses everywhere are gearing up to tackle a laundry list of resolutions designed to increase their bottom lines. In order to start the New Year in prosperity, businesses must look to overcome barriers that prevented them from reaching their objectives in 2009 and to set new goals that will help increase earnings in the coming year. Here are seven resolutions that businesses can adopt to help them prosper.
1. Create internal social media policies. I believe most companies will be socially savvy in 2010. But don't put the cart before the horse. In 2009 I spoke to companies that were riddled with questions from how to prevent front-line staff from "overblogging" about your brand, to how to handle social media comments directed at specific individuals within the company. In 2010, avoid any confusion. Plan an encompassing strategy that will answer all internal social media questions and set up guidelines for how employees should behave when engaging in social media dialogue.
2. Reward loyal customers with exclusive service. Last year saw the advent of companies introducing white glove service for high-value customers. To differentiate yourself in 2010 and to keep customers loyal, adopt one of these programs and be at the forefront of a growing trend.
3. Don't neglect your website. It's your ultimate sales tool. Make it easy for customers to understand your mission, the products you offer, and to how to communicate with you. And please stop hiding the phone numbers and email addresses of customer service and sales.
4. Conduct customer roadshows. Social media has made it easier than ever to schedule live meet-ups. Take your C-level executives on the road and find out what customers are saying about you in person. There's something to be said for face-to-face interactions with customers.
5. Train your employees--and not just customer service reps--around the importance of delivering a quality customer experience. Everyone who touches the customer, from accounting to the guys in the warehouse, should get a refresher in the value of customer service. Negative customer experiences can have long-reaching effects.
6. Boost corporate social responsibility. Not only are companies awakening to the business-boosting impact of strategic philanthropy, customers are demanding that corporations rise to the occasion. Listen to what your customers are saying.
7. 2010 is the year to innovate. Don't make the same mistakes that you made in 2009. Do things differently, try new methods and strategies. Not only think outside the box, but think outside the realm of your responsibilities. Take a step back and look at your company from your customers' perspective. You might be surprised at what you find.
What are your 2010 business resolutions?
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