Sometimes we have to focus on the BASICS to get the complex issues ironed out in our lives and in our businesses! The credit card processing industry is a mess of fees, regulations, issues and the list goes on. Hopefully, these strategies below are useful to you. When you are done reading them, please visit our Facebook page (the link is listed below) to share your thoughts and ideas! Together, we can help each other out.
#1- KNOW YOUR
WHY
When times get tough (financial barriers,
customer issues, vendor challenges, employee concerns, etc.), we
always take a step back and remind ourselves WHY we started our business in the
first place and WHY we feel so blessed to be a business
owner. Knowing why you do what you do makes the obstacles seem
surmountable. Focusing on your WHY puts the air back in your sails
and puts your brain into a problem-solving mode strong enough to conquer any
challenge.
#2- GET BACK TO
BASICS
There is so much 'new technology', so
many 'new-fangled ideas' and so many 'different' ways to do things nowadays,
that we sometimes forget to go back to what we know- back to the
basics. Consider the foundation of your business.
For many of us, those cornerstones are Quality Products, Great Service
and Filling a Need. When times have seemed
the toughest, I have often found the greatest success by turning my
sights back to the basics to make sure I have not lost my
way.
#3- TIGHTEN
THE BUDGET BELT
A tough economy sure helps to identify the
'holes' in your boat! Review your expenses and make sure you are
getting the best combination of pricing and service from all of your
vendors. Just like you, your vendors are working to keep your
business so talk with them and see what you can work out together.
Take a look at your processes and see if they can be streamlined. We
have been able to save postage and printing costs by moving some of our
information to digital formats and by decreasing the font size so fewer pages
needed to be mailed; simple things that shave pennies off of your bottom line
can be a big help.
#4- RALLY YOUR
TEAM
If you are struggling or if you are just ultra
focused about squeezing as much productivity from your business as possible,
why not get some extra ideas and tips from the people who can really help you
affect change: your team!! I have been so blessed to be surrounded by
a group of committed individuals and it never fails- when I ask for their advice
(and even when I don't ), they put their minds to work to help find better,
more innovative ways to deliver our products and to be of more service than
what our merchants expect. Many times, business owners feel like they
have the entire weight of the business on their shoulders- trusting your team
can help to lighten the load.
#5- HAVE SOME FUN & GET TO
WORK
This sounds crazy- especially when your back is
against the wall but guess what? When you are having fun, figuring
out how to slay the dragons in business and smiling along the way- the path
gets a little bit easier!
So grab that great attitude and employ your
strategies for success:
- KNOW
YOUR WHY
- GET
BACK TO BASICS
- TIGHTEN
THE BUDGET BELT
- RALLY
YOUR TEAM
- HAVE
SOME FUN & GET TO
WORK!!
Small businesses have always been the backbone
of the American Economy. It has rarely been easy but it has always
been worth the struggle!! Please visit our Facebook page to join the
conversation and let us know your thoughts! www.Facebook.com/TotalMerchantConcepts
