Part 1 - An Overview of Stress in the Lives of Home Based Business Owners and Solo Entrepreneurs

All of us who own and manage our small businesses from home became business owners for various reasons and as a result of varying circumstances. Many did so after carefully making a thorough assessment of their personal and financial situation, others launched a business because they were laid off from their jobs and need to find another avenue to make money, while others did so because they wanted to be home with their children and needed to have an income.

The website http://www.smallbusinessnotes.com/aboutsb/sbfacts.html notes that America's small businesses...account for 39% of the country's gross national product. However, "The Office of Advocacy defines a small business for research purposes as an independent business having fewer than 500 employees," so for the most part many home based business may not be included in these statistics. Nonetheless, like any large organization we have challenges and arising out of these challenges we have stress.

Many of us left corporate jobs to start our own businesses so we could reduce stress, or so we thought. What are the reasons for some of the stress we experience? How can we reduce our stress level? Where can we find information to help us? In my next three posts I'll cover points on these topics.

4th of 5 Reasons to follow-up With Customers

Builds Trust - Many times customers make a purchase and they are dissatisfied, but it's just too much work to return to the place of purchase. Has that ever happened to you? Very recently I purchased a headset with microphone from a giant retailer and after two or three uses one of the earbuds separated from the headpiece. I know that this retailer has a reputation for willingness to do exchanges or refunds so while it's aggravating I'm not unduly worried about it; I just have to make the time to return to the store. What is your return/refund policy if you are selling a product? Do your customers know your policy? Do you have any flexibility in your policy for long-standing customers? How about if you are a service provider? Do your customers know if they are unhappy with a service they can call you within a stated period? Although it may be unfair, small businesses and entrepreneurs seem to be held to a higher standard and while comments like "I bought an item from XYZ large retailer and it was not a good buy" will hardly affect that retailer, a similar comment about a small business can have a deadly effect.

It takes work, it takes scheduling, it takes time but by following-up after the sale, if there is any dissatisfaction and this is cheerfully addressed, you, the entrepreneur or small business owner, will have a loyal customer. That customer will trust you and want to do business with you time and time again.

Following-Up From the Customer's Perspective

My previous article highlighted how vital it is for businesses, especially small businesses and entrepreneurs, to follow-up with their clientele. The benefits were highlighted from the perspective of the Seller or Service Provider - the small business owner.



How essential is follow-up from the perspective of the Customer?



Here are two scenarios:



1) Jill attends a Craft Fair or Bazaar where all the booths are occupied by small business owners anxious to get their wares sold. She purchases a beautiful, handcrafted necklace. The bracelet and earrings are available but she's on a budget. The small business owner 'just ran out of business cards' so Jill pays her money and leaves with only her necklace. Two weeks later she is able to afford the remaining pieces of the set to compliment that special outfit for the office party next week. Unfortunately she has no information on the small business owner. She becomes a frustrated and disappointed consumer.


But wait! Surely the small business owner collected Jill's basic contact information to keep in touch with her in the event she may want to purchase the other pieces at a later date. Unfortunately the Vendor collected no information whatsoever!



2) Tammi is an Independent Beauty Consultant. She's out doing her errands but always has her business cards with her. She meets a 'sharp' lady, Ann, who's excited to meet a Beauty Consultant as she just moved to the area, lost touch with her previous Consultant, and urgently needs skin care products.



Tammi gets the products and delivers them to her new customer. Great customer service so far! However, Tammi fails to put her labels on her products. Ann throws out the business card along with the receipt in error just about the time she realizes that she needs some eye and cheek colors. She's now unable to get in touch with Tammi and could become a frustrated, irritated customer.



But wait! She just opened her mail. Tammi sent her a beautiful "Thank You" card with her complete contact information, which she created through her SEND OUT CARDS account. A relieved smile spreads over Ann's face. She can get her products after all. She thinks, "I'm going to like doing business with Tammi...she evidently cares about me personally and appreciates my business."



Do we want happy customers or disgruntled ones? The old saying, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bushes" is very relevant today. Let's make sure we're inviting our 'birds' to continually call on us by providing excellent customer service and follow-up!


And now I invite you to visit my website at: http://www.sendoutcards.com/62219 where you can create a FREE Gift Account and send out two cards with my compliments.