Do the correct things.
Don’t do the incorrect things.
In short, you want to do those things that will create a way to a successful outcome and you don’t want to do those things that get in the way of a successful outcome.
What are some of those things you want to do?
Here are five keys to online business success...
Key #1: Establish the Correct Mindset
Key #2: Make Customer Service a Priority
Key #3: Create a Distinct Brand
Key #4: Build Your Business Daily
Key #5: Track and Test Everything
You’re not an employee anymore – you’re a business owner. That means you must start thinking like one. Keep these tips in mind:
• The buck stops with you. No matter what happens, you’re ultimately responsible. Don’t blame business partners, freelancers, or anyone else. You’re in charge now.
For example, if your business is going to generate revenue by serving your audience well, you’re going to need to personally make sure that things get done well.
• The day doesn’t end at 5:00 pm. This doesn’t mean that YOU need to be sitting at your desk monitoring your business 24/7. However, it does mean that you need to put systems and staff in place to take care of things when you’re not able.
For example, install an app on your website to let you know if it goes down so that you can get it back up and running ASAP.
• Work smarter, not harder. You’re not trading time for dollars anymore. That’s why you need to plan a business that lets your income grow even when you’re not sitting at your desk.
For example, installing an evergreen autoresponder series lets you make sales the hands-free way.
Just read a few Yelp reviews, and you’ll quickly realize the reason people either stick with a business or leave it often boils down to customer service.
You can have the best products in the world… but if your customer service stinks, your customers are going to vow to never do business with you again. Not only that, but they’re going to tell their friends too.
That’s why it’s so important to make customer service a priority. Here’s how:
• Be sure your website is user-friendly. A good customer service experience begins with a good experience on your website.
• Make your customer service easily accessible. Don’t make people jump through hoops (such as registering for a help desk) in order to contact you.
• Answer all customer service inquiries promptly and professionally. And if you have customer service staff, train them to do the same.
TIP: Create a “knowledge base” with a set of professional, pre-written responses to common inquiries (i.e., frequently asked questions) that is available on your website. This will provide instant, hands-free customer service in many cases so your audience doesn’t even need to contact you.
In our next post, Keys to Online Business Success Part 2, we’ll look at Key #3: Create Your Distinct Brand and Key #4 Build Your Business Daily.
Credits
Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay
