Have you ever asked yourself what the best business advice was that your ever received?
When I was recently asked this question recently, more than a few ideas and habits came to mind – from my parents, consultants and coaches I’ve hired, and friends.
However, what I came to realize is the best business advice I have received over the past 30 years has come from the same source – my best customers.
While this occasionally occurred during the natural course of business, much of it came from intentionally asking for it. We simply invited some of our best customers to lunch or coffee for the sole purpose of learning how we could better serve them – as well as those just like them.
Honor Your Customers
So that’s my advice for you today – get out there with your customers, but with a different mindset. Ask them in advance if they wouldn’t mind taking some time to help you run your business better. It’s a role reversal of sorts that may make you a little uncomfortable.
I know what you are thinking – that you are imposing on their time. Indeed you are, however, you will be surprised at how willing your customers will be to help you. Why? They want you to succeed. It’s in their best interest as well as yours.
To tell you the truth, I believe you will find they will be honored that you asked. Customers are people too, and they will recognize this as an opportunity to say some of the things that they may have previously wanted to – but just couldn’t find the right time or place.
If you do this, you will find it to be something like reverse customer service. With the roles reversed, you are now effectively the buyer and they are selling you on some suggested ways to operate your business better.
Customers are Advocates
Customers are much more than a source of revenue. They are also your advocates and sources of invaluable information that may be invisible to you because of your perspective – or more significantly, because you’ve never asked.
Ask.
This is a powerful method for learning new tips and advice, as well as potentially huge ideas that may give you the motivation or new direction you need to move to the next level.
It’s worth a try, don’t you think?
Feel free to leave a comment below – and please share this with your social community on Facebook or Twitter.
Until tomorrow, Jeff
