So you've decided that you want to be more open and honest in your business? That's great news for both your clients and for yourself. A good relationship with your employees and customers is vital to a successful business. The best way to achieve that type of beneficial relationship is through honesty and integrity.
Transparency
Being honest with customers about your business and how it is operated will go a long way toward establishing trust. Tell your unique story of how you came to be a business owner. Share your failures and successes. Make yourself accessible and real to your client base. Adding a personal aspect will help to forge a stronger connection with clients.
It is also important to be upfront about your business plan and policies. If your practices are well documented and available then everyone will know what to expect. This will prevent any confusion and more than likely keep your clients from feeling mislead and duped. Make sure that everything is clear and to the point to allow for easy understanding. Be upfront about the details and pricing of products and services that are offered. If you establish a business that is transparent and honest, you inspire greater trust. When customers know that your business is trustworthy, they are more likely to be loyal to your brand which will increase sales and be far more profitable in the long run.
Responsibility
Own your mistakes. If something goes wrong, don’t try to cover it up. Be open about it, apologize, and vow to do better the next time. Successful entrepreneurs are not afraid of the truth. Your employees and clients will both appreciate that they aren't being lied to. Being a responsible business owner will inspire trust and loyalty.
Provide your employers with safe and clean working environments. Communicate with them openly about their duties. Make sure all employees are well trained so they can do their jobs efficiently and are also prepared to offer quality customer support when needed. Honor any commitments that are made and be on time for meetings and other events. By not wasting the time of others you show that they are valued and important.
Another important part of responsibility in business is to provide effective means for storing and maintaining data in a safe way to ensure data integrity. You may ask, what is data integrity? This term refers to ensuring that all data is accurate, reliable and of high quality. Maintaining data integrity helps to keep everyone up to date and allows for easier decisions and clearer policy making, helping to make the business more efficient.
Respect
Respect both your employees and your customers. Don’t try to be vague about products or services to try and confuse customers into buying. Answer any questions honestly and accurately.
Build a mutually beneficial work environment for employees. A work culture that has a strong basis in honesty and respect will help to keep employees motivated. Value the feedback and opinions offered by your employees and customers. They may have some very good ideas you have yet to think of that can be implemented to make a positive impact on your business.
Also, make sure that you respect the environment your business is in as well. Take care to have practices in place to reduce waste, promote recycling and stay green wherever possible. Respect the surrounding businesses and homes. Monitor your noise levels, be aware of how traffic and parking will affect the area, and make sure your building and surrounding area are kept safe at all times.
A business that is run with an emphasis on these principles is more likely to flourish. By providing value to your clients while maintaining these ideas, you show that you are respectful and capable of being an entrepreneur that people are comfortable doing business with. Stay true to your goals and be proud of the business that you grow.
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