We are well-into the age of being available i.e. instant person to person contact and rapid responding. No voice mail, no putting someone on hold or long wait times will be the norm or will be tolerated or increase but instead decrease. We demand the making instant, in the moment, spontaneous sending and receiving to be the new norm. Tex-ting does this, emails and phoning does this. It will also be of such a high standard that it will judge all performances for this subject
AVAILABLE OR NOT?
In the world of YES or NO, isn't this what it all comes down to? Who wants a story, explanation, excuse or some other creative response as a substitute for a result? The want it now generation is here now & because of new constant new technology is wanting more of what they can get. What does this mean?
GOT BUSINESS?
Business procedures are being redefined as I write this but the changes are subtle just like what led up to this was. Today, brick and mortar operations, Strip Malls and large offices are at risk because of fixed over-head making for changes in operations that cost too much but don't earn enough profit to cover those expenses. Cell-phones lead the way as a solution to become more effective and efficient
YOU ARE HERE
Today, wherever you are there you are making the cell-phone holder /user a mobile office where contact is never lost or compromised for business sake. Who benefits? The consumer and customer. People want services, products and attention immediately or soon after they have made their choice. Are you available?
WHERE THIS FAILS
If one takes the technology of instant communications and fails to use it to its fullest then uninvited risk will become part of the transaction or experience. Remember, if you don't become more effective and efficient in communicating ala sending and receiving your competition will. That makes you less effective.
OPPOSITE EFFECT WORKS TOO
The day is coming and is here now where failing to respond will cost you business. This point is non-negotiable, cannot be explained or excused and by the time one learns this lesson they would have suffered loss as the payment price. Failure to correct and they will lose business. Business demands this dynamic
There is no stopping of the steady movement of "I want it now"
THE GOOD NEWS
Those that get into this flow and ahead of the curve will do well, stand-out and be known not just for results but word of mouth. Those that don't come around now or in the times to come will feel the effects soon enough but as mentioned earlier at an expense i.e. loss or reduced business. The premise is simple
CONSUMER or CUSTOMER
Look at it through their eyes and walk in their shoes. It's easy to do because you are them too! You work hard & long &then comes the time to splurge, or need an item or product & we put into motion that desire and expect a return. If this is complicated, who suffers first? The consumer or customer is first to object
THIS PROBLEM SHOULDN'T BE
Long lines, wait times or wasting of peoples time all speak negatively to a person who wants to do business. How often have we been run-around and when finally addressed respond with frustration, anger and irritation? The problem may be ours but businesses would do well to welcome people not turn them off
THERE IS NO DEBATE ANYMORE
The window of life is small enough let-alone our fading youth and desires plus lost opportunities that are eager to travel elsewhere where they can become results instead of failures. Its now all about people which are our bottom-line because without them nothing works! Success or failure is tied directly into this subject
THE DYNAMICS
In order to do business you must be in business. Then, you must think like the people who are contacting you for a product or service. Is what you offer clear? Has communication been spelled out? All that remains is to test it all. Why? We need to see where we lack and where we can improve. This is an ongoing process.
YOUR BUSINESS IS A LIVE ENTITY
All business models are powered by people for people. Consequently your business plan is a living dynamic subject to modifications, changes and updating. That system relies on you the business person for its tweaking and fine tuning. Pretty much everything is exposed so either come up with your own concept or duplicate another's success but remember this...
BE AVAILABLE
All business starts with a point of sale or point of contact. First impressions, ease of use, inviting dynamics and customer service need to be triggered, tested and repeated. If there is no one to get a hold of when the consumer or customer says so you will know soon enough. The majority of businesses fail within the first 6 months to a year.
If you practice availability and know it is running premium then any problems remaining are to be found elsewhere
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