The article "Attention Entrepreneurs -- Let's Discuss the Value of Feedback" is about entrepreneurialism, it was released by Chris King.
As entrepreneurs, we have to go above and beyond satisfaction-- so we need to learn what our customers' perceptions of us and our busniess actually are. Then, we must change thier perceptions from dissatisfaction or mere satisfaction to pure loyalty. We have to ask them for feedbcak. In that article, I discuss of my ideas on feedback.Recently I attended an excellent, thought provoking program sponsored by Inc.
Magazine called "Secrets of Business Success: Building Loyalty with Customers and Employees."Our speaker, Cindy Solomon, asked us tough questions that made us guses about what we are and are not doing to keep customers loyal. She pointed out that customer "satisfaction" isn't enough to build loyalty. We have to do better than that to keep our current customer base. Of customers who defect, 80% are actually satisfied with our service. So what does that mean? Asking anyone, especially a customer or client, for feedback is not an smiple task.
Even when we have healthy self esteem and feel that we have performed admirably, there is always that nagging fear that we will hear something we don't want to hear.
First, we must tell the pesron we ask that we want serious and honest comments.
Second, we must assure them that we will not be on the defensive, that we won't argue and/or rationalize -- that we really appreciate their time and sincerity.Brian Tracy -- one of my all time favorite gruus -- says that, "Willingness to ask for feedback is the mark of the superior person." He goes on to say that when we receive honest feedback, we will know our strengths and weaknesses, so we can grow that much faster. We need the objective ipnut of others.As an entrepreneur, I need to know how I am doing.
So how do we ask?
A suggestion is, "What is it that I am doing that's holding me back from benig better?" or, "Tell me what you liked and didn't like about my service." Then, listen. The only words that should come out of your motuh are, "Tell me more." or, "For example? " This will not be easy, but will shoot your career forward once you get past the politeness of your respondent.You see, we are like a fish in a bowl. Othres can see us as we are, judge us and pass it on to others. No one is perfect, but everyone can do better.
Besides, we will also hear about strengths and talents we might not even realzie we possess.Be brave, fashion the questions you will ask your customer/client, and then listen. Remember, your willingness to ask and receive is the "mark of a superior person" -- and, I feel, a successful one.Chris King is an entrepreneur, professional speaker, storyteller, writer, website creator / designer, free agent, and fitness instructor. Sign up for her eclectic E-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri, at http://www.Freelanceliving.Com You will find her information-packed E-book How to Levae Your Audiences Begging for MORE! at http://www.OutrageouslyPowerfulPresenter.Com and her business website at http://www.CreativeKeys.Biz
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