By David Crary
Note:This is the ninth in a series of blog posts with tips aimed at helping field service businesses improve during seasonal slow periods.
It’s that time of the year again. You’ve had a successful and hectic season that is winding down and you are about cool down for a bit before business picks back up again. Before you completely shut down, however, take a moment to thank those that helped to make your year a success.
Customers are the reason for your business. They provide you with your profit and they allow you to do what you love for said profit. How does it get much better than that? Your customers didn’t have to choose you. They could have gone with that other guy, but they took a chance on you. Be grateful for that and show your appreciation.
Send out a card or an email thanking your customers for their business. A simple note of thanks can really go a long way, and as an added bonus it keeps you on your customers’ minds even during the offseason. If you can afford it, offer a discount on a service of their choice. If you are feeling exceptionally generous or had a customer help you out above and beyond just a job, send them a gift card or a free service.
It’s a good idea to give back, but don’t give back every time. Sometimes when you give thanks to a customer every time they help you out, they come to expect something each time. I like to send out thank you’s at random. Customers seem to be more receptive and appreciative when they receive thanks at random moments, instead of all of the time.
While your customers are the reason for your business, your employees are what keep your company alive and running. Don’t forget to show your appreciation for all that they do during the busy season as well.
From the office to your techs, your employees are the main face customers associate your business with. And your employees put up with a lot. They handle all of their daily tasks along with customer complaints and issues. Show you appreciate everything they do, even if you don’t say it every day.
Depending on your budget, time, etc. do something outside the ordinary to thank your employees. Do a company outing. Buy lunch for the entire office. Give hand written notes expressing what you appreciate about each employee. It can be a big thing or a little thing, but somehow you should show that you recognize the work your employees are doing.
Every year, my company does a company outing. We end our work day early and usually do some sort of an activity with dinner on me after. Last year we did a company Pedal Pub (which is a lot harder than it looks!) and had a nice dinner downtown. This was something that was simple to do and set up, but helped me to show my thanks and appreciation for all that my employees do. An added bonus is that it’s always a fun bonding experience for the company because everyone is relaxed and outside of the “work” atmosphere.
It is always a good feeling to receive recognition for helping others out. Show your appreciation to employees and customers alike by sending them thanks this holiday season.