SmallBusinessNewz

Everybody is a customer. That includes you. No matter how much or how little shopping you do, you must be doing some, and giving somebody your business.

Try this: Every time you deal with a business, whether it be doing some grocery shopping at the Super Wal-Mart, ordering a necklace online, or simply depositing some money into your checking account, evaluate your experience as the customer.

While you're there and as you leave, think about how this business has conducted itself. This will keep ideas flowing in your mind that can help you improve your own business. This is true for both positive and negative experiences, and I'm not even talking about only customer service.

Try to take in their whole operation (as much of it as you can see anyway).

Things to look out for:

- How they treat customers

- How they price certain items

- How they have their store laid out

- What kind of indoor/outdoor signage they are using

- What got you into their store to begin with?

- What got other people into the store?

- How comfortable the environment is

- Do they seem to be converting a lot of sales while you're there? Why? (brick and mortars)

- How well have they branded themselves? Why are you familiar with said brand?

- What kind of special offers do they have?

What is good and what is bad about all of these things? These are just a few examples.

If you keep in this frame of mind when you are in the role of the customer, you can compare your business to their's. This might help bring some clarity to things you can improve upon, or other things that you are already doing right.

You don't even have to leave your home to pay attention to what other businesses are doing. Think about this stuff when you're on the Internet, watching television, listening to the radio, reading the paper, etc.

Business lessons are everywhere. You just have to keep your eyes open to notice them.