“The customer is always right” is the mantra that those who work in customer service or retail always hear. Well, there are people that an entrepreneur should listen to when trying to grow a successful business and here are my top picks:
- Your customer. They may not always be right, but they are your bread and butter and their opinions matter. Ask for feedback. Read reviews they post. Interact with them on social media.
- Your staff. Your employees and outside contractors can be the lifeblood of your business and the first line of contact with a client. Ask them how things are going. What could be improved? What suggestions can the provide for doing a job better or more efficiently? They are in the trenches every day and might have valuable insight.
- Your mentors. If you’re a part of a mastermind group, work with a coach or have a mentor, listen to their advice. Not all of it may be relevant for what you’re doing, but I’ll bet there are nuggets that will help you and answers to questions or situations you’re struggling with.
Are there people you don’t want to listen to? Of course there are. Those would be individuals who troll you on social media, family members or colleagues who don’t support your vision and even yourself on those days when you have doubts and get into negative self talk.
When did you last ask for feedback from a mentor, staff member or customer? Did you find information that surprised you? What did you do with it?