Welcome to the fourth and final instalment of our series of SME Growth Tips.
Stemming from ideas volunteered at the Business Sorted event that took place in Bristol in September 2016.
In this part, we look at the influence of overarching company policies and attitudes.
That can impact the longevity, public image and success of your business.
Be honest and transparent
Whether you’re dealing with customers, engaging with the general greece phone number data public, or negotiating and managing other business.
Relationships such as those with suppliers and lenders, honesty and integrity are vitally important qualities.
Business relationships are heavily built on trust.
People like to deal with others they feel they can trust.
And will be more likely to warm to you and come back for more.
If you prove yourself to be an honest operator.
What’s more, in today’s marketplace, dishonest and misleading selling and other forms.
Of bad practice will not only lose individual customers and wreck.
Particular business relationships, but also attract negative online reviews and occasionally even virally shared social media postings and blog posts complaining about you.
Negative online feedback
Of these kinds can get noticed by a great many potential and existing customers and associates, damaging your credibility across the board, with potentially disastrous effects on the growth and sustainability of your business.
If someone does lash out online, address the issue in public with a polite acknowledgement, and express sorrow at the customer’s unhappy experience, but leave the details and any attempts at resolution for a when several layers are superimposed difficulties arise private conversation with your customer.
Whatever your line of business, it’s important to be aware of all applicable laws.
Including those relating to trading standards, employment, health and safety at work, importing and exporting, tax, and accounts.
Depending on the seriousness of the offence, breaking the law could see you suffer heavy fines that bankrupt your business, get you barred from serving as a company director for a number of years, or even thailand data land you in prison.
Check out the UK government’s Business and self-employed pages for a hive of information on relevant laws.