Ten Tips To Better Your Reputation

When a prospect or current customer thinks of you and your company, what is the first few words that come to mind?  If it is argumentative, always late, too expensive, cheap, over promising or poor value, your company may be on the decline whether you realize it or not.  We sometimes toss buzz words like integrity and quality around with nothing to support those claims.  

Following are some points to consider:

1. How is your phone answered?  How many rings before it is answered?  Does the person’s voice communicate interest and a pleasant disposition?

2. If prospects come to your office or work area, is it presentable?  Is it clean and organized?  

3. Are your company vehicles attractive with your logo and contact information?  Are the clean inside and out?  Are all pieces of equipment clean and in good repair?

4. Are your workers dressed appropriately in easy to identify uniforms?  What about their hygiene? What about their customer relation skills?  Are they professionals?

5. Are your supervisory staff on time, professional, dressed properly for the job and interested in fulfilling the needs of the customer and local tenants?

6. Are the janitorial closets and offices in your accounts clean and neat?  Are supplies clearly marked?  Are all the pieces of equipment in good repair?  Are there any odors?

7. How do you conduct yourself on a bid walk?  What questions do you ask?  Have you taken time to research the prospect?  Have you studied the specs so that you know what to ask to clarify any missing points?

8. When you submit a presentation is it on quality paper and prepared in a high quality manner?  Are the numbers accurate?  Does it answer the questions as to workers comp insurance, liability insurance, bonding and provide references?  

9. Do your current customers respect you and speak well of the service you provide?  Are they rabid fans due to past positive experiences?  Would they wholeheartedly recommend your company to associates without hesitation?  Are they planning on keeping your service when the contract expires?

Reputations are hard to earn and easy to lose in this age of the Internet, Facebook, LinkedIn and other forms of communication.  Periodically, step back and look at what others see and hear when you or your company’s name is mentioned.    

I hope to hear from you soon.  Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.