Look at your current customers for insights
I work with established businesses; most are making the transaction from coasting, working in their business to working on their business. Aiming for the life setting up the business was meant to give them in the 1st place. The best way I know how to improve a business’s outlook is to know the current customers and looking at the business from their eyes.
How do I get this useful information?
There is no point beating around the bush, the best way to get customer feedback is to ask for it. But even when asked, why do some of us just ignore the request from our own suppliers?
Shoe on the other foot
If a supplier is asking for feedback, they are looking for information to improve. Would it not be better for everyone, to help improve the customer experience? Obviously time is a factor and maybe the questions being asked are not clear, but shouldn’t we try and help? It can only benefit really.
I have clients feeling dejected over the fact that they are trying to get insightful feedback so they can make sure they are delivering the best service they can for their clients, but no one is being forthright. Not taking the time to provide data themselves. So I put it to us all; try and give usable feedback to 3 suppliers, maybe the paying it forward will generate great feedback for your business in return, can’t hurt to try right? You will be a good customer:-)
Now it’s time to ask you. Do you give feedback? If you have, has it been taken on board? If Not; What is holding you back from providing feedback? Answer in the Comments below:-)
If I receive good feedback from a client, I’ll pass that on to my supplier, and I am always very pleased when someone sends me an email saying great job. But both my businesses are so small, I don’t actually have many suppliers at all!
When I got my book delivered, the print rep rang to see if everything was ok, and said that for the first time ever the factory who printed them had rung her, asking if I was happy with them, as they all wanted to know – I was ecstatic, which she happily passed on.
I love that the factory wanted feedback:-)
I always give feedback, whether it is something constructive or to give thanks and appreciation where it is due. I appreciate receiving it as well. Feedback is feedback and whether it’s ‘negative’ or ‘positive’, there is always something good to come out of it! 🙂
I have continually asked for feedback and gotten very little response…perhaps customers these day expect and incentive to take the time to provide it??
Good point. What intensives would encourage you to give feedback?
I personally would answer if it was something I felt needed improving or if there was a chance to win a prize…the companies that pay per survey seem popular too…but for some reason I see a prize entry (if it is something I am interested in winning) is more appealing then $3 for half an hour of my time!!
I give feedback where possible and as a Business owner, i find it very frustrating not receiving it. Its good to know that you have provided what they needed and are going around saying something horrible about your Business/Service and potentially damaging your Reputation. Good or Bad feedback is Much Much Much better than none at all 🙂
Completely agree, I would much rather know any negative feedback from my clients so I can do something about it. Rather than on the grapevine.
Just realised by mistake in the comment above. Its meant to say Aren’t going around.