I recently read an article on the American Express Open Forum blog that had several good idea for small businesses that are also relevant to our chamber non-profit.
The article notes that that employees who hear directly from the customer about how the companies products or services helped them, the more motivated the employees were and the more they sold.
The article also gave several ideas to connect employees with customers they might not otherwise meet:
1. Send Employees to Events
2. Hold Customer Events
3. Hold Focus Groups
4. Gather Testimonials
5. Speak Out
For example as in Item #3, the Grandview Chamber this year is hosting a series of focus groups by business type or neighborhood to gather information that staff will use for our future business plan. These "Business Matters" events help clarify what we are doing right and what we need to focus on as a team in the future. It helps all of us feel appreciated, yet motivates us to face new challenges.
For the full article, please go to http://www.openforum.com/articles/5-easy-ways-to-motivate-employees-and-connect-with-customers. If you haven't already been invited to a Business Matters Focus Group, we hope you'll watch for your invite and attend!
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