7 Times It’s Better to Be Safe Than Sorry With Your Business
It’s an old saying we’ve heard for years, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” Implying that, rather than taking a risk, it’s important to ensure necessary informational and safety steps have been taken into account before acting. Not after. In fact, waiting until said step has already taken place can cause of number of grievances, hence making you “sorry.” In all aspects, it’s a practical way to live. But when it comes to running your business, it’s also a mantra that goes further than common sense; it’s flat out responsible. Failing to take proper planning into account can cause any number of issues. From irritating a customer to costing thousands of dollars and an ongoing lawsuit. Either way, when something could have been prevented, it’s not something that’s worth risking. No matter how “light” the competition.
In order to save face and to save business, stay safe in these seven areas.
7. Your Reputation
Everyone knows at least 250 people (a proven stat), and has the ability to pass along your info to even more. Don’t risk taking a shortcut with customer service, a job (even if it may seem “small”), nor in any other aspect. It’s your name that’s being passed along. Be sure that each customer has an experience worth sharing. As a business owner, there are no bad days allowed.
6. Closing a Deal
Is there some personal step you can take in order to help business along? Did the customer ask you for something that’s outside of your normal realm – but somewhat easy to complete? If it’s going to help you close the deal, a few extra steps are more than worth the effort they take.
5. Following the Rules
In a business setting, there is a preferred way of doing things. An order to cleaning, a method for filing paperwork, and so on. While, over time, these can be things that are personalized, you should only do so after you have a good reasoning for doing so. Otherwise you’re likely to cause a mistake without meaning it. Taking the easy route can actually cause far more harm than it saves in time.
4. Getting a Background on Employees
They’re handling your money and representing your company. Do it, just do it.
3. Updating With the Times
That doesn’t mean jumping at every single little technology change. But it also means not sticking to old favorites just because they’re familiar. Looking our for new and updating changes can help business, make tasks more efficient, and keep you from becoming too dated. Trust us, it happens quicker than you’d think.
2. Angry Customers
Playing it “safe” with an angry shopper can mean a number of things. It might mean leaving them alone. Maybe it means giving them a discount. Or following up to ask what might have gone wrong, and how you can fix it. Then if they’re satisfied. Whatever that balance might be, tread lightly to find a solution that’s best for all. Especially without assuming a customer wants to be doted on or ignored, in any case.
1. What you Know
We know a lot of things, but in business world, you should never assume you know more than you actually do. You won’t safe face, you’ll ruin it. Rather than risking, well, everything, take a few minutes to look up an answer. Contact a professional if necessary. It’s an “extra” step that will always pay off in peace of mind.