If your business isn’t as productive as it should be, can you put your finger on the reason or reasons why?

For too many business owners, that problem is one that can ultimately cost them more than just money. It can ultimately lead to hanging a closed sign on the front door permanently.

So, how productive would you say your business is these days?

Being productive doesn’t just mean churning out products and/or services.

It also means giving your customers the best service possible, putting your employees in position to succeed, and showing investors (if applicable) why they should continue to support you (not to mention invest in you).

With that being the case, how productive is your business as you take it into 2017?

Business Productivity Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

In order for your business to keep productivity as a main staple, keep these pointers in mind:

• Customer service – First and foremost, is your customer service as strong as it should be? Even if your products and/or services are top-notch, you can’t overlook the importance of customer service. When it comes to customer service, you have to always be better than your nearest competition. Keep in mind that customers today typically have numerous options when it comes to shopping; so many times you are not the only game in town. In order for you to stand out from the crowded field, your customer service efforts must resonate with customers. Go above and beyond the simple customer service initiatives, allowing you and your brand to grab and keep their attention;
• Employee tools – Unless you are running a one-person show, you rely on your employees’ day in and day out to deliver for you. As such, it is imperative that they have all the resources necessary to be successful. From the latest in technology to educating them on how best to market and network in and out of your business, give them what they need. If that means taking a little extra time to find the best tools and/or spend a little more in money, certainly consider doing it. Whether their needs involve audio dictation for your business or countless other necessities that make time management more effective (see more below), give your workers as much assistance as they require. Remember, the goal when all is said and done is to give your customers more for less. When you allow your employees to get more done in a shorter amount of time, it is a win-win for both you and those doing business with you.

Time Management Can’t Be Overlooked

• Time management – When it comes to running a productive business, time management is a huge factor. Stop for a moment to think about you and your customer needs when you play the role of consumer. The last thing you want is to be kept waiting for products and/or services. When left to do so, you might simply walk away, never to come back to that business ever again. The same oftentimes holds true for those consumers doing business with you. Most consumers expect to be waited on in a timely manner, along with that time being used wisely. If your time management efforts are coming up a little short, work on improving them sooner rather than later;
• Customer feedback – Finally, do you truly listen to your customers? If the answer is yes, that is definitely something to be proud of. Unfortunately, too many businesses turn a deaf ear to those they are supposed to be taking care of. As a result, they can oftentimes end up losing those customers after a short period of time. Make sure you try and answer your customers’ questions whenever and wherever possible. If this means doing occasional surveys, do just that. In many cases, providing a little incentive (discounts etc. on products and/or services) will prod customers to take a few minutes to answer your questions.

When all is said and done, business productivity is essential to your company’s success.

Stop and see if you’re truly being as productive as possible as a business.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.