Developing a list of customer requirements

Developing a list of customer requirements

Developing a list of customer requirements

Truly successful small businesses succeed because they are able to effectively meet the needs and wants of their customers.

The problem that many small businesses face is that they don't always have a clear understanding of the real needs of their customers. They may think they know what they want and need, but they are creating it based on their own perspective, usually colored by what they hope the customer will experience in reality. Instead of need.

To become a more successful small business, you need to understand what your customers really need, not just what you hope they need. And there are some very simple ways to gather this information and help your small business become more successful.

Before I present possible ways to collect this information, there are a few things to remember. You want to keep the survey simple and focused, the longer the survey the more likely you won't get responses, people don't have time for long surveys. So make sure that you are taking enough time to ensure that you are only asking relevant questions and asking them in the simplest and shortest possible way.

Once you have survey questions, you can use one of these methods to collect data.

1. Online survey

One of the easiest ways to develop a list of your customers' needs is to create an online survey and send it to your customers and get feedback. You can also do this online survey on a simple in-store location like a tablet and ask people to fill it out as a discount at checkout.

There are many platforms for conducting surveys online, two I recommend are SurveyMonkey and Google Docs. Both of these services can be free and let you design your own questions and collect survey responses. Their responses can be a bit difficult to access and are not the most user-friendly. Also, if you want to track your responses in a place you control, this may not be your best choice.

2. Email Surveys

I recommend using your CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system to organize and manage your survey results. Most good CRMs will let you store history on websites for in-store responses, host them, and easily respond to people via email.

This gives you more control over where contact responses are sorted so you can use data more efficiently. I know CRMs can be intimidating but there are people out there who can help you overcome the overwhelm.

3. Ask in person.

This has been discussed before but this is the best way to get accurate information. You have people there consuming your product, so find out why and what they want to offer so they come and spend more money with you.

a The easiest way to get a quick response is through a tip jar (if you're a business that deals in a lot of cash where tips are normal). A great way to increase tips and get clarity about what your customers want is to put out two tip jars and ask a simple question with two possible answers. Then ask people to vote for what they want with their suggestions. You get a quick response to a potential idea, increase suggestions for your staff, and give your customers some fun.

B. Offer a reward for answering. You see it under many receipts, fill out our survey and get 10% off your next visit. Why not offer random free gifts if people answer the survey then and there? They don't have to be expensive, but if people know they can get something for free, you may get more responses.

4. Take action.

All of the above can help you succeed and get clearer about your customer's needs, but it will only work for you if you take action. now! Collecting data is all well and good, but it's not the key. The key is to process the information you gather and implement the changes needed to truly provide answers to the new needs you've identified.