In today’s business world, some companies struggle and fold while others go through the roof, and the difference between
304 117 601KB
English Pages 336 Year 2009
Table of contents :
Part Title --
Also by the author --
Title Page --
Contents --
Acknowledgments --
Introduction --
What is the difference between success and failure? --
Size doesn't matter --
Do you have the commitment to build a successful business? --
The best way to use this book --
Recurring themes --
Without action it's all a waste of time --
Share your experience with others --
Always think big (how big is up to you) --
It's not that serious-have some fun --
Section 1: Start with an impressive corporate image --
# 1 Is your business name telling the right story? # 2 Do you have a logo and if you do, is it the right one? --
# 3 What is your tag line? --
# 4 Consistency and the power of branding --
# 5 Have you got a good corporate colour? --
# 6 Who controls your corporate image? --
# 7 There comes a time when you need to review your corporate image --
# 8 Corporate imagery in advertising --
# 9 Make sure your yeam understands your corporate philosophy --
# 10 Size doesn't matter-unless you let it --
Section 2: Building strong relationships --
# 11 Who do you want to have a strong relationship with? --
# 12 Always check references of potential suppliers. # 13 Take time to get to know the people you want to build a relationship with --
# 14 Loose lips sink ships and sometimes businesses --
# 15 Never let a long-term relationship be destroyed over a petty issue --
Section 3: Make sure the founfations of your business are strong --
# 16 Making your business bigger than one person --
# 17 Write a Business Plan-or get someone to write one for you --
# 18 Understanding the importance of systems --
# 19 Understanding finances-taking control of your business --
# 20 Keeping good records always pays off in the long run. Section 4: Have absolute commitment to your customers --
# 21 It's all about respect-if you don't respect your customers don't expect them to come back --
# 22 Never lose touch with your customers --
# 23 Do you ever promise and under deliver? --
# 24 The first 30 seconds --
# 25 Talk about customer service to your staff-a lot --
# 26 Reward good customers --
# 27 Keep a notepad in your pocket --
# 28 Time-the one commodity that causes the most grief --
# 29 Customer expectations are changing-we all need to change with them. # 30 Look at the entire customer service picture-not just little pieces --
Section 5: Making your workplace unbelievable --
# 31 Have pride in your workplace (even if you are the only one there) --
# 32 Make your workplace inviting and easy for your customer to visit --
# 33 Don't scrimp on the little things (out with Women's Weekly 1972) --
# 34 Offer really good coffee and tea (and nice cups) --
# 35 Just add laughter (in vast amounts and often) --
# 36 Encourage people to bring their personality to work --
# 37 Beware of bad smells --
# 38 Who is in control of the music?