3 Signs Your Business is Out of Sync
For a business owner, there’s almost always a lot going on at one time. The schedule needs to be made, products need to be purchased, employees need training and don’t forget about serving customers! Your team should be a cohesive group and work together to achieve the goals you’ve set, but without direction, guidelines and a clear plan how can you expect them to succeed? If you’ve been feeling like you’re always running out of time, forgetting important tasks and living an unbalanced life your business may need some organizing. Let’s look at three telltale signs it’s time to reevaluate, get crafty and make some positive change.
You are using band-aids, but not solving the problem.
When it comes to your business, you may not notice certain things aren’t working until something big happens. For instance, the message on your computer telling you it’s time to update will pop up every day until the computer has had enough. Then, boom! your computer is down and you’re up the creek without a paddle. Take notice of little things and work to preemptively solve challenges. When a problematic situation arises, do your best to set emotion aside and come up with a true solution. When you let all kinds of little issues add up it can become overwhelming and hard to deal with. 
Your team is not engaged.
You can tell your team what you want them to do repeatedly, but if they are disengaged things won’t change. This can get a bit tricky, because re-engaging a team member can take some work. Start with coaching your team and finding out what their strengths and weaknesses, as well as likes and dislikes about their position are. You will most likely find that each team member has a special talent they can utilize within your business. This is what we call a win-win because your employee can grow and your business can benefit from their dedication. An extra plus? You benefit from learning how to delegate. Training is another way to inspire your team, the more knowledgeable they are about your offerings and products the easier they will be to sell. When team members are knowledgeable your clients can trust their recommendations. Employees impact everyone involved with your business, particularly your clients. 
Customer complaints happen often.
Yes, there are going to be customers who complain about things that are out of your control or get upset when it’s not warranted. However, if you start to notice an influx of unhappy patrons something has got to give. Start by getting to the bottom of each complaint. If negative comments are made about your staff sit them down and have an honest conversation. Again, this goes back to employee engagement and a strong understanding of what your business stands for. If customers can’t stand the way your appointment booking works listen to their feedback. Respond to all complaints and reviews (good or bad!) with an open mind and desire to improve. When clients notice that you really listen, they will feel more connected to you and your business. Other signs alterations are needed include lower retail sales, dwindling client counts and a general sense of stagnation. Break free! Come up with new promotions, host events, mix it up and watch as your business changes for the better. Look to some of the businesses you frequent for inspiration and don’t be afraid to get a little bit uncomfortable during your transition.