Five questions to ask yourself about your business

We’ve just returned from a week in Kos. Here in fact (definite recommendation). Stepping away from your desk is a great opportunity to see things differently. You can learn so much from watching and observing people and businesses at work. I learnt (at least) five things through being away, which I wanted to share

1) How well do I really know my customers?

The customer service in this hotel was world class. How many businesses in this sector get to know their customers personally? Despite there being 100’s of guests in this most magnificent of resorts, the waiters and maitre’d got to know our children’s first names. They even went as far as know my son supports Arsenal ;-). The warm greetings of ‘Kalimera’ and ‘Kalispera’ from the hotel staff as you walked around the resort made you feel so welcome. Do the people in your business treat your customers like this? Or, are they more like this?

2) Does my passion for my subject shine through?

I sat and watched the entertainment team at work and one thing shone through in everything they did. I was truly inspired by one particular individual who led dozens of sports and entertainments. He delivered everything with true PASSION, irrespective of the number of people watching or participating in his activities. He put his heart and soul into everything he did and put a smile on the face of all around him.

Sure he was expert in his craft of fitness, however the way he engaged with people was really quite something to see and all stemmed from the enthusiasm he put into his day.

3) Could I communicate better

The single biggest cause of most problems in business has to be POOR COMMUNICATION. It still amazes me that one of the simplest things to get right is still often done so badly. I could only fault this hotel with one thing – there was no communication prior to me arriving at dinner on the first night to tell me I needed long trousers in the restaurant. I had travelled in jeans fortunately – however this could have become a real problem.

What do you take for granted in your business that you think your customers or potential customers should know? If in doubt, communicate and communicate some more.

4) Do I work hard enough at promoting my business?

I loved the fact that whilst this hotel had a captive audience for the evening’s show, they ensured it was promoted in exactly the right way throughout the day. They had staff dress up as characters from the show and say hi to people around the resort as well as giving out flyers. In addition, at the restaurant entrance in the evening, they set up a lit stage, with characters posing for photo opportunities with children (and adults) before you went into dinner. As a result, you were left in no doubt as to what was on later in the evening as they’d engaged you throughout the day.

How do you promote your business?

5) Do I step away from my desk often enough?

When was the last time you took a week’s holiday? A day’s holiday? An afternoon away from your desk? Do it… feed your mind with different experiences. Put yourself into a different environment once in a while – you will learn a lot.

What have you learnt from taking a break? Leave your thoughts below.