Insight - A business mindset - By Michelle Libby

This week’s The Windham Eagle is a larger paper than other issues we’ve had. This week we are celebrating businesses in our area that have earned recognition from their clients, customers and friends. The Eagle Choice Awards were given out Thursday night at the Sebago Lake Chamber of Commerce Business Break at the Time4 building. 

I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a business successful. Many people agree that customer service is key. Some want a useful product or service and others want to be treated like someone special.

I’ve been looking, researching and speaking with a lot of business owners. There seems to be common threads that carry through all businesses owned by entrepreneurs.

1.      They don’t work just 9 to 5.

2.      They surround themselves with quality people.

3.      They care about their customers’ happiness.

4.      They work hard and play harder.

5.      When they see an opportunity, they aren’t afraid to try.

Entrepreneurs are organized, ready to put themselves out there and they have pride in the job they do for customers. They are proud of their work. Clients see this pride and latch on to the positive attitude and hire the company again and again. 

Writing up all of the biographies on the companies that won awards, I learned more about marketing and what makes a website or Facebook page helpful to customers. Having hours of operation, addresses and phone numbers is super important. Write a blurb, a quick 40 words about what the business is about. (Steal mine, I don’t mind.) 

Have a website so that when people Google you, your business pops up and they can find a menu, a list of services, a price list and a way to contact the business. 

For those who are still worried about social media or the Internet, there are plenty of people out there whose job is to make your Internet presence a positive and helpful experience. 

I have learned so much about businesses and what it takes to succeed in the last two years. I’m impressed by those who have braved the uncharted waters of entrepreneurship and wish them all the success in the world.