The drop of the ball at midnight on January 1st is a chance for you to make changes in your life.
Why not make changes in your business as well?
Sometimes change is difficult to implement, but the benefits that simple changes can have in the workplace can be major game changers. Not only can you make your company more efficient, but also a more desirable place for talented employees. Here are some simple and effective ways you can improve your business in the new year.
Efficiency
Promote efficiency throughout your business and lead by example. This may mean spending less time on your pre-work ritual. Welcome employees warmly but quickly. Get your coffee, settle in, read emails, check messages, and create a to-do list in fifteen minutes. This may sound ambitious, but these are all simple tasks that can be done quickly if you commit to better prioritizing your time. If you succeed with this efficient morning ritual, it is more easily implemented business-wide. By your example, employees will see efficiency as part of the company’s culture, and when promoted, will follow suit.
Business Security & Employee Safety
The best employees are irreplaceable. Make your business safer for employees, customers, and yourself. A robust antivirus on all computers is a must. If your business has a BYOD (bring your own device) policy, it is worth the investment to provide a stalwart antivirus such as BitDefender or ESET, both of which provide discounts for businesses with many computers.
Protect your location as well. Install security cameras throughout your office. This can prevent break-ins, but also adds peace of mind for employees who spend long hours in the workplace. Harassment is spoken about little, but is still a serious problem, and HD security cameras from Lorex can create a safer place for all. They’re also useful for keeping an eye on potential shoplifters. While some security cameras come with expensive installation fees as well as a monthly subscription, Lorex cameras are wireless, contract-free and easily installed. They can be monitored from your mobile device through an app or computer, so you always have an eye on your shop, not matter where you are.
Social Media
Social media often feels like a jungle. Start slow, spend your time on the most accessible platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Schedule time for yourself to learn and understand how businesses can best utilize these social tools. Don’t spam your business on these platforms. Instead supplement your message with complementary services, deals, and promotions. For instance, if you own a clothing store, promote winter scarves and hats with the latest deals for local lift tickets at the nearest ski resort. When you draw parallels between your products and the services or products of others, customers see that your business provides a tangible service, and one helpful in their everyday lives.
Social media is a community and customers want to see that you are invested in that community. Interact with others on these platforms for ideas on how you can better serve customers. When people see that their feedback is acted upon, they’ll feel more invested in your business and happier to shop there.
Want more ways to improve your business?
Check out the Retail Minded RESOURCE GUIDE! It’s FREE… and it’s designed with you in mind… small businesses!
