Business Tips: June 2008 Archives

Although you need business insurance, it doesn't have to be complicated. There are a few things to consider. For example, if you're running your business from home, and you have a store front, you'll need to include that in your policy. You have to be covered incase someone gets hurt on the premises.

If you're running an internet business, and you don't have walk in traffic then your business insurance policy changes. For example, say you're running an eBay business, and you have couriers picking up, and dropping off products. That would probably be a different business insurance policy.

The best practice is to talk to a trusted business insurance broker that can guide you to get the business insurance. It's best to be honest and let your broker know exactly how your business operates. If you fail to disclose any information, your policy could be void. I think it's better to be over insured than it is to have a problem, and find out you're not covered due to a technicality.

Business Insurance is one area you don't want to look for the best rate, but the best coverage. Business Insurance is not as simple as Home Insurance.

You may need to cover your equipment, you may need to be covered incase of a fire, and your business is down for a few weeks etc.

You want to consider including liability in your Business Insurance policy, incase someone files a lawsuit against you.

Business Insurance differs from business to business. Some business insurance packages are standard and you simply add to the policy. In any case, it's best to find a reliable broker. What's the use of saving on insurance and running into to problems if you have a claim? It's money down the drain, because you paid for a Business Insurance policy, and you weren't covered for what you need it for.

For example, you have a website design business that you operate from home, and your clients are all online. So you tell your broker that you have no walk-in customers. You save money on the policy. A couple years down the road you start to get local clients. One day one of them slips, and breaks a leg coming into your office.

Now you have a problem. Your house insurance doesn't cover it because the person is a business client; the business insurance doesn't cover it because you're not covered for walk-in clients. You just paid a lot of money for insurance that didn't cover your most important needs. And now you have to take care of the problem out of your pocket.

Insurance is a must in north America; we have some outrageous lawsuits. Make sure you get the sufficient coverage from a trusted insurance broker.
That's The Way I See It
Acey Gaspard
A Touch of Business.com

Naturally when you're frustrated, it's no fun at all! When you're frustrated, you don't think "This is a good thing, and now it's time to change!"  Rather, you are fed up with the situation and want things to get better.
 

So here's a tip, the next time your feeling frustrated, skip the uncomfortable feelings and go straight to the solution state. This way you don't have to feel frustrated but rather you'll know you need to change. Rather than burn energy on the frustration, shift that energy and find a solution. Simply ask questions like:
 

How can I make this better?

What can I do to make things better?

What would ______ do in a situation like this?
 

Although this will not feel natural, it will help because you'll find a solution quicker, and avoid focusing on the state of frustration - you'll learning to stay solution focused.
 

When you train yourself quickly go to a solution focused state, your business will flow smoother; you can tackle problems quickly, not to mention you build your confidence and personality.
 

That's The Way I See It!
Acey Gaspard

http://www.atouchofbusiness.com 

Good customer service is more than just taking care of the customer. I think good customer service is analyzing what your customers want, and catering your business to work in favour of your customers.

Here's a Simple Customer Service Plan

Here's what I would do. I would keep track of all the complaints made by customers, and I would look for trends in those customer complaints.

When I identity similar complaints, then that tells me something is wrong with the way I'm treating my customers. Let's say I had 3 complaints about the same issue. You can't say "it's just a couple picky customers." You need to look into the matter and make changes.

This doesn't mean you need to give in to all the customers' complaints. You may need to present your product or service in a different way. You may need to add benefits, change your product, or simply eliminate whatever people are complaining about.  Each case is different and you need to take action, and create a solution.  You can't just let it go.

Also you have to keep in mind, many customers are unsatisfied, but they won't do anything about it. So if you have three that told they are unsatisfied, you can be certain there are more.

Good customer service and accurate customer feedback go hand in hand. You can learn a lot from customer complaints and customer feedback.  But it's no use getting feedback if you don't act on the information.

Without customers, you have no business, so be sure to monitor your customer's satisfaction and make the necessary adjustments to give good customer service.

Good customer service takes patience, understanding, and investigations. Those business people that practice good customer service are ahead of the game.

That's The Way I See It!
Acey Gaspard
A Touch of Business
See Also:

Good Customer Service - Tips For Keeping Happy Customers