Pratfalls always bring a big laugh in the movies or on stage, but nothing is laughable about the rising number of prank slips and falls in businesses across the country. The National Insurance Crime Bureau says in every state in the nation there is a rise in claims for injuries arising from accidents that never really took place. The insurance industry estimates fraud involving property and casualty claims cost businesses and consumers $30 billion a year!
Don’t fear a complaining customer. Most unhappy customers don’t take the time to complain. According to the Technical Assistance Research Program (TARP), only about 4% of customers who experience problems take time to complain. Instead, they simply go away angry and stop doing business with you.
An entrepreneur tends to bite off a little more than he can chew, hoping he’ll quickly learn how to chew it — Roy Ash, co-founder Litton Industries.
Does this sound like the way you run your business? It’s kind of like flying by the seat of your pants. Why not start off the new year with smarter strategies for growth? Who are the people who could help you build your business? Make a list of the kinds of experience and expertise you need to take your business to the next level. Then start talking. Reach out to people who can advise you on how to chew the right way, before you take that big bite. Even the best advice won’t prevent you from making mistakes, but it can certainly help minimize your risk.
October 21, 2011 (St. Louis) In just two days after its release, Susan Wilson Solovic’s latest book, It’s Your Biz: The Complete Guide to Becoming Your Own Boss, with Ellen Kadin, has reached number 3 on the coveted New York Times Best Seller List and number 4 on the USA Today Best Seller List.