Our image is absolutely pivotal to how people perceive us. It's the central notion to great customer service and how we are thought of in the larger world. But there is so much at stake when it comes to attracting and keeping customers. This is why we have to learn how to really keep a hold of our business image, inside and out. But how?
Work With Those Who Believe in Your Vision
Because it's not just about employees and culture, but about the vision matching up with these two elements. And it's this aspect of relationships that will impact every area of your business, even in the supply chain and less visible aspects of your company. With the variety of plastic packaging technologies on offer, as well as other areas that subtly link into your brand, you may choose to work with companies that provide cheap service to cut corners, but you've always got to remember that in every aspect of your business, even in the packaging, everybody you work with is going to have some impact on how you are perceived. This is why you've got to find the right people that will always believe in your vision, rather than offering you a cut-price deal.
Remain Honest
So many people have attempted to operate with a cloak and dagger approach, but the fact is that there are so many laws out there, you are far better telling the truth from the outset because this will ensure that the message you promote is ethical, as well as truthful. When we work with people that believe in our vision and values, we've got to ensure that honesty is at the forefront of what they believe in. This is going to help us when we (inevitably) make a mistake.
Identify Uniqueness
From the cultural components to the branding, during the embryonic stages of a business, you've got to look at how you do things to create a unique experience for customers and employees. A unique experience will set you apart from your peers and help to cultivate a brand that will stay true to its roots and will loom large in the mind of clients and customers.
Practice What You Preach
Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. From advertising to culture, the image is always best magnified when everybody lives and breathes what the company is all about. Customers are far savvier these days and are more switched on if something doesn't align. If something that's advertised doesn't match what they see, this could be a big waste of your business investment.
Be Empathetic
Compassion for employees and customers is crucial. It's always these people that are putting in the effort. Creating a sense of community will keep your employees on your side and attract more people inward. You need to find value in the people that prop up your business and build upon it.
Because people focus on controlling their image through deceptive tactics, many believe this is the right way to go about things. In reality, controlling your business image goes far deeper than typeface and branding.
