At only four days old, it seems like virtually everyone is striving to make 2013 a milestone year.
Resolutions and promises to take up a Soul Cycle class aside, 2013 is already off to a positive start. As of January 3rd, 20 female senators were sworn in by the 113th Congress to serve on the Senate, breaking records and changing the course of history simultaneously. NPR has reported that the job outlook is on the rise as well, with 34 straight months of job growth all the more likely to keep continuing. And even fellow Forbes contributor Eric T. Wagner has created a post filled with 57 quotes to inspire entrepreneurs and worker bees from all walks of life alike.
Four days down, 361 to go.
This is where it gets tricky, where it gets hard for female entrepreneurs and women in business to keep up their stride as the days go by and really stake out their place on the road to success. Inevitably that road will lead to heading on up to that infamous glass ceiling which still remains difficult to shatter. 20 female senators being sworn in is fantastic, but as Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) stated, “… until we get to 50 [female senators], we still have to fight because it’s still a problem.” And even on that list of inspirational quotes, only four of the 57 quotes mentioned are from women.
But I still have a great amount of faith in 2013. Most of this comes from the fact that change isn’t something that we’re all awaiting to arrive anymore. It has arrived and continues to keep on coming, especially when it comes to women-owned businesses. American Express OPEN made up a great info graphic last year on the state of women-owned business, discussing how there are 8.3 million women-owned businesses in the United States, employing 7.7 million, and that women-owned firms generated a stream of $1.3 trillion in revenue.
As Rosie the Riveter famously said, “We can do it!” And perhaps Rosie was alluding to female entrepreneurs in 2013, who are now driven to take charge and blaze the trail of success for others now more than ever. It is your time, our time, and their time to stand out, and these are my tips to ensure every day of 2013 is a great one for you and your business.
Make Incredible Customer Service Your Top Priority
Word of mouth can make and break you faster now than ever before. The need to provide incredible customer service with your business should be exactly that: a need. This is the time to go above and beyond for your customers and skipping “by the book” customer service. Get creative and innovative and show that you care. Instill in your staff the importance of differentiation that comes with providing unforgettable customer service. Customers will return and sing your praises both on and offline, strengthening your word of mouth and business presence all around.
It is very easy to prioritize other items over customer service which makes it even easier for customers to pick a different company to work with over your own. Go the extra mile in working to create the best possible customer service experience and keep it continuing well past 2013.
Encourage Fun, Don’t Force It, With Your Team
There are some establishments that all you need to do is simply open the door and feel like you stepped into your home. For me, that would be my local Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf coffee shop. Before I even get a chance to breathe in the roasted coffee beans, I hear a series of “hello!” and “welcome!” greetings coming my way from the staff there, many of which already know what kind of drink I’ll be ordering, all of which like to laugh with one another and chat with regular customers as well as new ones.
It’s these moments you’ll remember when everything is said and done. The natural fun and laid back moments where you’re working and getting what you need to have done completed, but enjoying it the entire time. Keeping your eyes on the prize is important, but recognizing and being in the moment surrounded by a strong group of team members matters even more.
Respect
It’s always been about doing unto others before yourself and that extends further beyond just customer service. Acknowledging and learning to work with staff schedules, everyone pulling together and staying calm during a crisis, and being able to work around and stay positive during difficult financial circumstances. Entrepreneurs may face all of these scenarios and then some throughout the lifetime of their business.
Chin up. As leaders, you must keep moving forward and staying positive along the way, treating everyone as you would expect to be treated. Your actions will speak louder than words and inspire both those around you and even people who meet you in passing in ways you may never know.
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