My opinion on growing a business

Mark Rogers

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
Joined
Dec 22, 2003
Posts
138
Loc
Dallas, TX
My opinion on how to grow a business

#1 priority – helping customers
#2 priority – helping your employees

In your spare time – looks for new ways you can help your customers, new products, services, styles, techniques…look for ways to make your operations more efficient, error free, and run with higher margins (less waste, better prices from suppliers)

You should also look for new ways to expose your business to new customers, but I have found that if I do the other stuff then my customers do most of this for me.

Oh and a few times a year I meet with a good CPA to talk about some busines stuff, but I dont care about that stuff...I prefer helping people.

Cheers,
Mark
http://www.framedestination.com/
 
Of course customers come first...or do they? This is the egg before the hen thing to me. If the employee is not loaded and ready to go then how can they come back with a buffalo? You have to be prepared as best as possible in all aspects in hope of serving your customers as best as possible.

Too many employers do not make thier employees keep learning. You need to inspire them and be creative so they dont pull down that one inch black everytime.

Mark like the post, keep it up

PL
 
I didn’t say it was easy or that you can help all customers.

You don’t have to be perfect.
You just do your best.
People like to learn and grow, just help them.

Some things are easy. For instance
Bainbridge foamboard $10 rebate = Xmas bonus for employees. You don’t have to run any financial reports or talk to your CPA for that one.

Cheers,
Mark
Picture Frame Destination, Inc.
 
When I was doing a lot of wholesale shadow boxing for galleries in my area, I had the opportunity to observe a great deal of employee interaction with customers. And while I'm sure most gallery owners understand how crucial it is to develop and nurture good relationships with customers to ensure business growth, I never got the feeling employee performance was well monitored or managed.

As an example, one gallery owner that I've worked with for years hired his daughter to help out in the gallery. And in the numerous times I've visited his gallery, I believe I've seen her smile once or twice. And that was only when she was on the phone chatting with a friend.

People often mention how difficult it is to find good help. I'd say that there are plenty of people out there that would make great employees. But as a frame shop / gallery owner you have to ask yourself what you have to offer that would make them want to work for you. Moreover, what would encourage them to give of themselves in a way that would enhance business growth?
 
I agree there are many people who are great. Now they may not be suited for this business, but if someone needs a job and you have one? You both have to make it work. This is a field that most folks would not think of intially. That most likely wont change, but if there is a diamond in the rough standing before you-try. You will never do everything perfect in this business. If you feel tha Joe is the best framer in the world, but you dont jive-why do it? Unless you can really figure out a way to work together , hire the person that you feel has the most promise for the situation you are in. If they are happy and you are, then you will better serve your customers. It is all about relationships.

PL
 
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