Coaching Tip #884

Stop for a moment, and reflect on the last time someone paid you a sincere and heartfelt compliment. Re-live that experience again, remembering the smile that came over your face, and how you instantly felt better. Feel the warmth and happiness that grew within you, as your worries and problems vanished in that moment - how, in an instant, you became more positive minded, lighthearted and energized. Now, as you move forward into your day, pay it forward, knowing that you too can be a bright light for another human being  and help them feel great too!

Coaching Tip #883

Getting sick with the flu isn't fun. However, it sure provides a needed timeout from our fast paced lives and normal routines, not to mention the delicious homemade chicken noodle soup. The fever, uncomfortable as it is, purges toxins from the body and clears the way for better health. Perhaps the greatest benefit gained from being sick is that it refreshes ones sense of gratitude for being healthy. If you are healthy today, rejoice for how great you feel. If you don't feel good, do all you can to turn that around. Life is great, and is easier to enjoy, when you feel great to begin with.

Coaching Tip #882

Circumstances in life range from favorable or positive (what you want) to unfavorable or negative (what you don't want). All human beings are in the same boat here. What differentiates those people who feel empowered in the face of their given circumstances, and those who feel at the mercy of theirs, is perspective or attitude. You are co-creating your life experience through your thoughts, actions and words. As long as you have life pulsing through your veins, be grateful for the gift, relish the positive circumstances, and turn your unfavorable ones into just another part of your fantastic voyage. You are more powerful than your circumstances when you choose to be.

Article: Lasting Success Lies in the Basics

The difference between creating raving fans out of customers base and not, is getting the multitude of basic or “little things” right on a regular and consistent basis. Just a moment of reflection on your own personal experiences will reveal that your favorite businesses−the ones you frequent often and tell others about with great enthusiasm−are the ones that go the extra mile in their pursuit to leave you feeling happy and satisfied.

Companies that are in the business of fostering happiness in their customers are the most enlightened of all. They understand that successful business operations are, first and foremost, about serving people and ensuring their satisfaction. These businesses know that increasing the pleasure, fulfillment and happiness of the patrons who support them with their hard earned dollars will build a base of loyal and referring customers.

The following list covers a few “basics” to pay close attention to and deliver consistently as you create lasting success in your own business:

Greeting Your Customers: How your customers are greeted is vitally important because it creates a lasting first impression. If the greeting they receive is lackadaisical−lacking smiles, energy or a caring attitude - your customers will be turned off from the start. Conversely, if they are acknowledged quickly by a smiling, happy person−one who is receptive and caring, they will be open to your business and what it has to offer. The greeting is an opportunity to set the stage for success every time a customer chooses to do business with you.

Listening to Your Customers: I have yet to meet a person who did not want to be listened to while speaking. Yet, all too often, customers are not heard by the businesses serving them. In fact, when this reality occurs, customers are not being served at all; they are undervalued and neglected−and they know it. When you listen to your customers−and train your team to do the same−they feel acknowledged, valued and cared for. The result is greater rapport and strong, lasting relationships.

Understanding Your Customers: When truly listening−the first component of effective communication−you and your team members will be able to understand the exact wants and needs of your customers. Only then will you be positioned to ask questions that help you fully understand their desires and offer high quality solutions. With this type of solid communication in place, you business can accurately meet, and even exceed, your customer’s wants.

Correcting Mistakes for Your Customers: How mistakes are handled is another demarcation between poor, good and exceptional businesses. Errors made by your business should never become the responsibility of your customer. This is a sure fire way to damage your reputation and lose business. It is far wiser to be integrity based−to own any missteps, no matter how costly−and do all you can, within reason, to correct the situation with your customer. The impression you leave them with will be a lasting one.

Satisfy Your Customers Wants and Needs: A wise goal for any business that wishes to be a success is to place a high priority on satisfying customer needs. Every customer comes through your doors for a reason. Finding out what the reason is−understanding what they truly want−and fulfilling it will lead to lasting customer satisfaction. In return, they will come back for more and tell others about their wonderful experience.

Give Your Customers A Great Feeling: Ideally, every business owner and team member wants their customers to leave feeling not only satisfied, but also better than when they arrived. Ultimately, it is the feeling you give your customers that matters most. When people leave your business feeling better, you have added value to their life−and value (receiving a quality experience, not just a good price) is what they are seeking.

  

All of us have our favorite places to do business, and the reasons are obvious. These companies are the exception to the rule and have set themselves apart by going above and beyond in satisfying us. They truly care about the people who make their success possible.

Make it a priority−on your own or with the assistance of a professional consultant−to uncover your potential. Commit to being a business that consistently delivers on the basics. Do it with integrity and gratitude because−without satisfied customers−there is no business success.

Coaching Tip #881

People will say and do things that you do not understand or agree with. Some may make false accusations, attempting to manipulate the truth for their own satisfaction or to try and achieve some other desired result. However, the truth cannot be hidden for long, and it is wise to not fall prey to the negative words and actions of others. Be strong, and remember that you get to choose how to respond to your reality. Choose to own your life, never giving your happiness and inner peace away to those who might wish to take it.