5 Tips for a Better Business Model

In the business world, there are winners and of course losers.

So that your business can always do its best to be in the former category, your business model matters.

For instance, what kind of mission statement did you unveil when you began your business? If the answer is none, that’s an issue right there. If you have a business that is kind of running on the fly, that only works for so long.

In order to put together a sound business model, one where you have an outlook not only for the coming days and months, but a year or two down the road, always be thinking.

So, what does your business model look like as you head into 2017?

Keep Your Company Focused and Centered

So that you are always doing everything possible to keep your company focused and moving forward, remember these five tips:

1. Customers – First and foremost, are you keeping customers happy? Unfortunately, some business owners drop the ball in this regard, a drop that can linger for years to come. When it all comes right down to it, the majority of customers simply want good products and services, that is of course with sound service. If you meet those requirements, you are all but guaranteed to keep them coming back for more;
2. Modernization – Even though some businesses still get by in just accepting cash payments, most companies offer the option of credit cards and/or checks too. If your business is one of those cash-only operations, is that because you prefer that or you think credit and debit cards would be a hassle? If it is the latter, you should probably rethink that notion. In fact, being open to credit card processing for your business is a great idea. As many financial experts will in fact tell you, a sizable number of consumers will ultimately buy more goods and services with plastic. That is especially true if you are running an online store too. If that’s the case for your business, you stand to see your revenue numbers increase. No, you’re not trying to turn all your customers into debt-laden individuals. You’re simply trying to make your sales numbers increase over time.

Is Your Business Convenient for Most Consumers?

3. Convenience – How much focus do you put on convenience for your customers? Convenience comes in all shapes and sizes, but knowing how to apply it is the most important thing. For instance, do you make it convenient for consumers to buy goods and services from you online? If you have an online store option, it has to be running on all cylinders. As an example, the process needs to be smooth from when the consumer first finds a product or service they want, and then goes to the checkout option. If you make it difficult for the consumer at the checkout point, he or she may just forget about it and never return;
4. Listening – How good of a listener are you? For many business owners, they might say that listening is the key to being successful. Listening to what your customers want and need is important whether you run a huge corporate operation or a little mom and pop shop. While you do not (and typically can’t) enact everything customers want, you do need to listen to their concerns;
5. Future – Even though you are typically focused on business today, what have you have planned for the next day and the day after that etc. is important. Having an eye on growing in the future, looking at what trends are stirring now, and knowing how you will react to what happens down the line are all important. When you have ideas about how to improve your business sooner rather than later, most customers will be all ears.

As a business owner, what tips do you have for others in your position when it comes to building the perfect business model?