Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Five Easy Ways to Kill Your Business


It amazes me that the zeal many business owners possessed even a decade ago has disappeared. Yes, it’s a tough economy and it seems that government rules and regulations make it difficult to make a profit. There are legitimate ways to reduce mandatory costs and fees, but that is better addressed in another article. Today is the day to talk about the five best ways to kill your storefront or online business. 


1.It’s not my job. Hmm- do the aisles need swept? Is there a misspelled word on the chalkboard listing of specials? As the owner, manager, shift supervisor, or any other lofty position in the company, you employ other people to do the work. Don’t bother lending a hand because that might make things better so your business succeeds.

2. Assume that knowledge and skills are learned through osmosis. Why encourage someone to take a course that might be helpful when you see no reason to learn it yourself? 

3. Customers can read; let them figure it out! What value is there in putting an accurate, easy to read description of a product or service you carry or do? If the manufacturer’s description is in miniscule words, a potential buyer should bring a magnifying glass if they want to read the particulars.

4. Publicly scream at employees if they leave their section to help a customer find an item. Be condescending to customers instead of helpful. A power trip is definitely a good way to encourage potential buyers and current help to quickly leave. They’ll spread the word about your business tactics, hastening the demise of your shop or service.

5. Offer incentives and then make them worthless. Promise your customers a new saucepan if they buy a certain amount of items.  When they present the coupon, point out the sign that says the offer is only good for the first 25 buyers. Be sure the coupons are mailed or posted online the day after they expire so the first 25 customers only have an expired coupon and get nothing, as well.

If your goal is to be successful, simply turn these five steps around. Hard work and treating others fairly are still great ways to survive in a questionable economy.

Does any of this sound familiar to you as a business owner, employee, volunteer, or consumer? How do you handle these situations if you encounter them?

38 comments:

  1. I think poor customer service is a sure fire way to go down in flames quickly. It shows that you flat out don't care.

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  2. I agree that bad customer service can quickly ruin a business. These are all really great tips and advice.

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  3. I agree with the others. Bad customer service is a surefire way to go out of business, and fast!

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  4. So many of these just boil down to putting the customer first. I'm always in a state of shock at the number of businesses who don't seem to realize that without customers, their business is worthless.

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  5. I agree with everyone- bad customer service is always what has killed local businesses! A lot of your examples just sound like bad customer service, too!

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  6. my daughter had a job where she was reprimanded when she left her spot. It was silly to pass on a customer just because you pass a certain line

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  7. Not everyone is built for customer service or management. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop some from getting into that line of work.

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  8. I agree that all five of these things can ruin a business. If I get bad customer service at a place I won't go back.

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    1. I am the same way - one bad experience is all it takes to lose me forever.

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  9. Some people just don't have a solid business background but have businesses! Local businesses thrive when there is good customer service.

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  10. I'm shocked every day at the lack of PR in some of my favorite places. It is so important to really care!

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  11. Customer service is definitely the key to success. People won't come back to a place with poor customer service no matter how good the product or service is.

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  12. This is a great post! I can tell you've had a lot of experience with horrible customer service! Poor customer service really is the best way to loose business.

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  13. It is so true that business are not like they use to be. My dad taught me to be the best employee I can be. Show initive and do more than expected.

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  14. Poor customer service kills it, even with a great product.

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  15. Running a business takes a lot of hard work. Definitely bad customer service can ruin your business super quick.

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  16. Business sense doesn't come for everyone. I definitely agree that holding your customers to the highest value is key

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  17. Your tips are very helpful. And I agree that it should always be a win-win situation for the customer and the owner.

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  18. Great tips! I cannot imagine working for someone who yelled at me!

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  19. Is the business owner happy? That's a big deal to me. If the owner or manager seems like they're working hard and enjoying the work, it makes for a better atmosphere.

    This is for customers and employees.

    I've stopped going to two restaurants that had grumpy people in charge. Who wants that?

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  20. This is a great post. I have seen so many owners of business burn them to the ground with bad behavior like this.

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  21. To me customer service is key but that seems to be a thing of the past anymore which is really really sad.

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  22. Customer service is an absolute must in running a successful business. Especially in a world with so much brand competition. One bad experience and I am done.

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  23. Having accurate descriptions on products or services is so important. People want to know what they are getting!

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  24. Definitely changes business owners need to make. Customers want a positive experience.

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  25. These are great points. I think poor customer service can kill your business. Bad word of mouth spreads around fast.

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  26. Those are all reasons that a business can be killed, it is amazing how many are going out of business these days :( We have a local 24 hour store that may be closing soon because of lack of business. It is insane.

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  27. Expecting customers to read the fine print is a recipe for disaster. People are busy. They want something that's convenient & reliable!

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  28. Customer service is a make or break for so many businesses and that is why owners of small businesses have to be so hands on. Loved your post and all great points.

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  29. I know just how important customer service is. Responsive service is a must in this market!

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  30. I was 15 when I started in retail. From the age of 16-26 I worked for the same retail company starting in the warehouse working after school and making it up to assistant manager. The plan was when I was done with college I would take over for the accountant, who was going to retire. Well, I got in to banking and then taxes instead. I think being in the front line like that for so many years, you really appreciate the value of good customer service. It has stuck with me, now even as an adult, it is true I judge a company on how their employees treat people.

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  31. It all comes down to treating people how you want to be treated. Yet so easy how everyone forgets

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  32. I hate the loopholes you have to go through to qualify for deals. It's definitely a turn-off. Sales bring customers in. Great service encourages them to come back.

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  33. Great tips! This is something every business owner should read. I'll keep this in mind.

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  34. I haven't experienced this but it sounds like a sure way to lose customers. It's too easy to shop online now. Businesses can't afford this types of behaviors.

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  35. These are all really great tips and advice. Customer service needs to be your priority.

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  36. I would definitely not go back into a store where I heard the managers or employers yelling at their employees. These are definitely some things that would kill a business.

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