What Do Your Customers Really Think Of You?

Are you an independent type who doesn’t care what anybody thinks? Or do you tend to be overly conscious of your image?

In business, other people’s perceptions do matter.

What do people think when they look at your business? What type of impression are you making?

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. In business, especially online, you may not even get the chance to improve your first impression.

So, it makes sense for you to put a lot of thought into:

1. What you want that first impression to be
2. Exactly what you should do to create the best possible perceptions, and
3. What you will do to maintain that good image

Ask your customers and friends what impressions they get from your websites, marketing materials and sales pitch. Listen carefully to the feedback you receive to find out if you hear the right words.

Maybe you hear words like professional, intelligent, caring and up-to-date. Are these the qualities that you want your business to be known for?

But what if you hear words like boring, amateurish or confusing? That’s when you know you have work to do.

Define the image you want. Describe it to your advisors in a few words and ask them what’s needed to create that impression.

There are several things you can do right away to make sure you and your business present the right image:

• Pay close attention to your communications. Poor grammar, numerous typos and spelling mistakes can make you look dumb.
• Be consistent in your branding. Use the same logos, graphics and color themes on all your materials.
• Get help in your weaker areas when you need it.

You also should plan for ways to maintain and enhance your image and reputation. Of course, that starts with customer service and the way you treat people.

No amount of image building can hide poor quality or bad service. The image needs reality and substance as well as perception.

Your image is your brand. It tells the world who you are, what you value and what you’re about. Nurture and protect it.

Contact me if you need help.