Seven Great Business Ideas You Can Use Today

Keep it Simple - Be clear and direct in your messaging. Don’t try to be clever or cute. People don’t want to work to figure out what you are saying.

Learn - Never stop learning. It will give you confidence and keep you motivated when challenges come. Why not start with a podcast, blog or on-line course?

Be Convenient - Make things easy for your customer. Find out what their “pain points” are (as it relates to your industry) and address them. Make every interaction with your business convenient for the customer.

Value Your Time - You only have a limited number of hours each day. Spend them doing things that will move your business forward. Can you delegate tasks or hire outside help (like a book keeper or a print shop)? Then do it so that you can focus on your most important work.

Be Generous With Your Knowledge - You’re an expert in your field. Share some of that expertise…maybe on a blog or a postcard. It will position you as an expert and someone who cares about your audience. When they need your services, they’ll think of you.

Add Value - The lowest price is not what people are looking for. They want the best value. How can you add value? Maybe it’s with your warranty or your after-the-sale support. Perhaps it’s your great customer service or expert knowledge. All of these things increase the value of what you are selling.

Learn The Two Tokens Principle - This simple principle of Customer Service will immediately help to de-escalate customer complaints. It was made famous by Jean-Louis Gassée, but Dale Carnegie taught a similar principle in “How To Win Friends and Influence People” and Jesus also taught something very similar in the Parable of the Wedding Feast in Luke 14. Take some time today to learn this principle and teach it to all of your staff. Trust me on this one. You won’t be sorry.