Excuses

Have you in your business ever had someone tell you they haven't returned your call or completed a job because they have been so busy? I can't stand this. Or have you been avoided because someone is late on their payment? These are practices of poor small businesses, they are embarrassed or afraid to contact their client and end up leaving them in a tough situation.
Recently, an issue came up where a customer was unhappy with a job we completed 5 years ago, in our line of work we warranty our installation, so we received a call. My boss promptly responded to the client and went to asses the situation. As it turns out there were some issues, which we were glad to address, but also they had some additions they wanted US to make. If my boss would have not addressed the client our reputation as a great small business would have been spoiled and we would have missed out on some potential work.
A great small business is one that stands out among the crowd. They go the extra mile even if the lead doesn't generate income, or the situation is unpleasant irembatrassing. Why does this matter, because a small business booms or suffers not on it's prices, expertise, or look, but on it's service to those it serves. The golden rule still stands: treat others how you want to be treated.

Get input

Tonight I sat down with another small business guy and we just talked about ideas. Things that we have done, what we are into now, and what got us to this place. It was great, so many different ideas came out and I got to run my "secret", or the ones I am scared to share, ideas past another person who had great input, encouragement, and questions.

This is a hard practice, sharing your ideas and letting someone else give their honest opinions. It is embarrassing yet a great check up to see how others react. Somethings are our babies and we have a hard time hearing criticism towards them so we are afraid to share. I can't imagine how many great ideas got buried under the rug because of shame.

Here is my challenge: Before you step out with that next great idea, sit down with someone you trust and ask them to share their feedback. They might have great insight to a missing key part of your idea, or they might encourage you and give you that final boost needed to blast off. Either way you will be glad to have their input.

Número Uno

Here we are lets get started...

Welcome to Great Small Businesses Blog. Our Goal at GSB is to learn together as we grow our small businesses from start-up to great.

We have been involved in many different types of small businesses from non-profits to one man stock trading outfits to construction and so on and have learned so much about them. There are many mistakes made just from ignorance, fear, or insecurity that cripple a business, yet others are making bold choices that rocket them to the top of their field.

We want this to be a great resource for start-ups, growing, and established small businesses, that desire to make their business better for everyone (owner, employees, and customers).

Join us in this challenge, we would love to hear your story, your journey of how your small businesses started, what is working, and your vision for the future. Email us at greatsmallbusinesses@gmail.com.