What does it take to be Successful in Business?

Be The Boss Expert Wayne Maillet discusses what every entrepreneur who is looking to get into franchising:

A question I will often ask during an interview with potential candidates for a business opportunity or franchise opportunity is, “What does it take to be successful in business today?” Common answers I get are;

• Persistence
• Dedication
• Product knowledge
• Financial planning
• Attention to details
• Money
• Leadership
• A clear business plan
• Location, location, location
• Hard work

All of these factors will contribute to your business success, but none will have value if the one key ingredient is missing. What is really takes to be successful in business is – CUSTOMERS. Without a focus on the customer, your business will not succeed, no matter how great your leadership skills, how perfect the location or extensive your product knowledge.

The entire purpose of business is to attract and keep customers. It should become the focus of everything you do. Look at mission statements of most successful organizations, and there is a focus on the customer. Successful organizations create a customer-focused culture. Key attributes to this culture include;

• Listening to the customer and what they have to say
• Knowing who your customer is and what they value
• Training and empowering employees to take care of the customer
• Measuring customer satisfaction on a on-going basis
• Always trying to exceed the customers expectations