We’re Retuning to Work!

We’re Retuning to Work!

At last !  The world is slowly reopening and employees are returning to work.  Everyone is excited about being out and about…especially business owners.  In all of the commotion, there’s a high probability that abundant changes are needed in the workplace.  In this blog, we’re offering ideas about how to enhance employee morale, strengthen customer service, and increase sales.   

Change your perspective

View “new normal” challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement.  Avoid approaching problems with a defeatist attitude.  Visualize how positive outcomes will help your firm thrive.  Then share your ideas with clients via social media and other communication outlets.

Get back to basics

Revisit soft skills basics such as effective communication, empathy, and positive attitudes.  Now is not the time to allow customer service to fall by the wayside; in fact, it’s time to double down on delivering an experience that is unique only to your brand.  Empathize with customers and maintain a positive mindset.

Communication is key.  Be upfront and honest with clients about what they should expect from the level of service you’ll deliver.  Keep them in the loop about policy changes.

Set realistic attainable expectations from your team.  Highlight  expectations in weekly staff huddles.  

If a project cost is going to run over due to price increases in raw materials, share this information with clients immediately.  Give as much information as possible to ensure an understanding that they’re not being overcharged.  

Let your customer know you appreciate their patience by writing personalized “thank you” notes, applying a customized postage stamp, and dropping it in the mail.

Products and Policies

Due to shifts in the marketplace, consider whether you should update your company’s policy or services.  Whether it’s a reduced staffing model or limited supplies, these “constraints” may require a change in how you conduct business.  Doing so may increase employee efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Let us know in the comments how your business is pivoting in the face of such challenges. 

Make it a great day!

5 Transforming Workplace Facts About Generation Z

5 Transforming Workplace Facts About Generation Z

Show me a company that is not interested in hiring and retaining the best talent and I’ll show you a company that is about to go under.

Concerns over a lack of talent remain top of mind for companies that want an edge over its competition.  According to  a Gartner survey, CEOs around the world consider talent shortage to be the top emerging risk for their companies.  That, coupled with Generation Z’s (Gen Z) increasing demands for a short time-to-hire, more face-to-face communication, and a high-tech hiring process, the competition for top talent continues to grow.

With that said, here are five things to know about this amazing demographic:

  1. They are ultra-focused and work efficiently. They’re not looking for a 30-year career with a company.
  2. They’re known as the “digital generation”— they are proficient and sophisticated in navigating through any kind of social media.  
  3. They openly speak their truth to offer balance and goodwill to society and the workplace.
  4. Education is one of their core values.  While it may not always take place in a traditional classroom setting, they seek innovative ways to learn and evolve.  
  5. They believe in authenticity.  If they perceive your brand is focused on only making money and not giving back to the community, they will call you out and offer suggestions on how to make the world a better place.

Focus on unconventional strategies to recruit Generation Z.  They will be a valuable asset to your workforce.

Engage. Encourage. Educate.  And, make it a great day !

Attract/Retain the Best Employees Via Company Loyalty

Attract/Retain the Best Employees Via Company Loyalty

Ask almost any company in any industry right now if they are having difficulty finding skilled employees and/or retaining their best employees and you’ll probably get an earful of woes they are facing.

One of the ways to attract and retain excellent workers is to be loyal to them.  How, you might ask, does one make THAT happen?  Well, one way is to treat employees in the same manner that you treat your best customers/clients.  

Let’s take a closer look.   To get consumers to stay with you, it is important to:

How to Build a Customer-Focused Team

How to Build a Customer-Focused Team

Photo Provided by Pixaby

The days of companies relying on the customer service department to manage every complaint and challenge are all but completely gone.  Businesses are most effective when employees in every department have the same facts on hand to solve problems quickly and efficiently and to do it accurately on initial contact.  Doing so will reduce irritation and foster a healthier business/client relationship (I think we all know that transferring clients from one department to the next only exacerbates the problem).

Let’s be honest, it’s all about management and employees working in sync and keeping the lines of communication open and silos torn down. 

As a side note, I’d like you to consider this thought: when asking, “How was the service?” and the client says, “Fine”, you may have a problem on your hands.  “Fine” can mean, “The service was on point” or it could mean “I’m never going to return to your store”.  On the internet I found a funny phrase on posters and quote boards that support my claim that the word “fine” has a double meaning.  It says, “Fine is not fine! The scale goes Great, Good, Okay, Not Okay, I Hate You, Fine!”.