Small Business Building: Intimacy Is Key

It can be down right paralyzing to see and hear about businesses of all sizes and within a variety of industries closing up, sometimes practically overnight.

You may think that small businesses are more at risk than the larger more corporations.  The banks and GM’s of the world that are getting government assistance to stay in businesses - but that’s not necessarily true.

Small businesses require fewer customers and less money to keep their doors open, and they can be more responsive to customer’s cash crunch issues, which is an advantage.

American Express Open published ways to take advantage of being a small business owner during economically unsure times.

• Respond - as a small business owner, you often are in a position to answer the phones or respond to an email yourself.  Instead of letting customers questions or needs get handed off to a customer service rep, they can deal directly with you.  Take advantage of that one-on-one opportunity and respond!

• Be Human - when a customer is describing their dilemma with meeting a new deadline and you can help, jump in.  Dealing with customers in a more intimate manner, person to person, can create the type of relationships you’ve been shooting for.

• Collaborate - knowing your employees gives you some advantages.  First, you know exactly what skills each employee possesses because YOU hired them.  Second, you have an opportunity to work closely with your employees - so listen up - and make the small work environment work for your business.

Small business building can get complicated with numbers, media and worries about the future.  Take a deep breath and remember why you’re doing what you’re doing.  If you enjoy your business and appreciate your customers, getting through the tough times doesn’t seem so impossible after all.