What will make 2011 better for your business?

We’re getting close to year end, and with that comes a time of reflection and planning ahead.  Maybe you’re working on your 2011 budget, or you’re looking at your year-to-date numbers for 2010 and wondering what next year will look like.

It might be helpful to take a look at your business from a few different vantage points to consider what you might want to do differently next year to make 2011 a great year for your company.

1. Be the customer.  As much as possible, put yourself in the shoes of your typical good customer(s) and think about what’s going on in their business.  Read up on the trends in their industries.  What are they facing as they plan for next year?  Then, be the customer as he interfaces with your company.  What is it like to place an order, call for information, ask for help, receive a shipment, or get an invoice?  Is your company doing anything that is frustrating your cusotmers?  Better still, COULD your company be doing something that would make their business function better?
2. Be the vendor:  Think about your primary vendors — and think of them as your business partners.  What does it feel like to sell to your company?  Do you treat them fairly?  Do you pay your bills on time or at least notify them if you’re running a little behind?  Do you talk with them to find solutions to your company’s problems and allow them the opportunity to help you?  Or do you treat them as adversaries, making it harder for everyone?
3. Be the employee:  Do your employees feel good about what’s happening in your company?  Do they KNOW what’s happening, or are you making them guess?  Do they see the connection between their work and company outcomes?  Do they feel that you’re treating them fairly?  If they had a chance to leave, would they?  Try to put yourself in the position of your employees — not knowing everything you know about the business.  What questions would you have?  What concerns?  What would you say you like best about working there?  Would you encourage someone you know to apply for a job?

After channeling these groups, what do you need to change for 2011?  Whatever product or service you sell, it’s the people (customers, vendors and employees) that make you who you are.  If they aren’t happy to be buying from, selling to and working with you, you’ll have a rough road ahead.

If you’re not sure how these groups feel about your company, find out.  And then do something with the information you gather. 

Here’s to a successful 2011 for your business!