4 things that affect the perception of your small business

By Henry Brown

A small business is oh so much more than just whatever services or products it provides. Even a company who offers the very best in their chosen area would find it difficult to succeed if they weren’t taking care of the factors that go into how people perceive their business. Individually, these factors can seem small; put them all together, and you can see that it has a tremendously large impact on the success of your company. Below, we look at five things that influence this perception. If you lack in any of them, then take steps to get them in order!

Living in the modern world

Unless you’re one of the rare industries that makes its name on being “traditional,” you need to take steps to ensure that you’re part of the modern world. Things move pretty fast, and if you’re not online, or don’t take card payments, and the like, then you’ll be showing yourself to be behind the times. This isn’t a deal breaker if you’ve already built up a core customer base, but it’s essential for an enterprise just starting out. Anything that shows that you’re not quite with the times will be a mark against your business. This extends to your infrastructure and your philosophies (for example, a modern company can’t be indifferent to the climate).

[amazon_link asins=’1118937813′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’succeedingi0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’83bd8ba8-ecd0-11e8-8113-250f5d639f33′]The ambiance

What does it feel like when you walk into your workspace or store? If it’s purely functional, then that’s how it’s going to be perceived by your visitors. So look at creating a space that’s more than just practical by adding touches that create a pleasant ambiance. For example, you can focus on your lighting. Everyone has more positive thoughts about a comfortably lit space, rather than one that just relies on overly bright overhead lighting. You can also go the extra mile when it comes to creating an agreeable space by taking a look at diffuser hvac air freshener systems. People will love your business if there are lovely scents circulating around the place. The mood and feel of a room really do have a big impact!

[amazon_link asins=’0749483210′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’succeedingi0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’99ab684a-ecd0-11e8-a6a1-3da83e748044′]Staff happiness

You can tell a lot from staff happiness levels. It has a tremendous impact on how people view your business! If your employees are glum and overly direct, then there’s not going to be much rapport between your customers and workers. On the other hand, if it seems like your staff is having an excellent time even when no-one’s watching (as in, it’s not a performance), then people will only have positive things to say about your business.

Your trustworthiness

We live in skeptical times, and more than ever, it’s imperative that your customers trust your business. Once this trust gone, it’s hard to get back! So make sure you’re taking steps to verify your trustworthiness in the eyes of the people who matter most. Being available to answer questions, owning up your mistakes, and handling sensitive data carefully will be the foundations upon which trust is built.

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Henry Brown is an online marketing executive. When he isn’t talking shop, he’s roaming the streets of London, uncovering the extra-ordinary in the ordinary.

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