We have all been to the small business that has been burned too many times. They have a new handwritten sign, it seems, for each customer infraction. The signs range from “No shoes. No Shirt. No Service” to announcing to the world that they “no longer accept checks.” Some small businesses get a bit carried away until their wall is papered with things their customer is not allowed to do for fear of tasing! As an entrepreneur myself, I understand. You sometimes get tired of being taken advantage of, and you want to make sure people know it.
But it’s important to be conscious of the message we are truly sending.
Especially now, as companies, stores and restaurants get ready to open to the public again, it’s important to consider the question “What message are you sending?” As business owners, we have been anxious about getting back open again. We might be frightened what will happen if we can’t get back to business. But we must remember that part of our audience is scared too. They are wondering if it’s safe to go back out…and you need to consider what message you are sending to them!
Is It Safe To Come in?
If a customer decides to come back to your business, are you showing them that you are ready? Do you have information displayed that explains how you are going to keep them safe? Do you have signs on the wall or stickers on the floor that discuss the idea of staying 6 feet apart? You might be thinking “They already know that,” and you would be right. But subconsciously (at the very least) they might be asking if you know it. Have the correct protocols in place show them that you do. That is the reason I think masks matter. I talk about that here.
Do They Really Want Me In?
Now is also a great time to look at your entrances and behind the counter of your businesses. Is everything necessary? Does your signage look welcoming? Does it look like I really want business to come in the door? We all have seen our businesses so many times that we stop seeing what it looks like. Now is the perfect time to look at it with fresh eyes. This is a chance to treat customers as if they are coming for the first time. What do you want them to see?
I am excited to get “back to work” as a country. I am sure you are too.. Now we just need to ensure we are doing it right…so we can keep everyone safe and working! If you enjoyed this, please check out our blog page for more content. And now is a great time to brush up on your marketing skills. Sign up for our (FREE) 5 Day Marketing Course here.
