Thursday, August 9, 2012

Making Customer Feedback Work for You

Bill Gates, the former chief executive and current chairman of Microsoft, once said, ““You need to know about customer feedback that says things should be better.”  As the CEO of the world’s largest person computer software company, Gates understands that in order to build your business successfully, you MUST get the feedback of the people buying your product.  They are, after all, the lifeblood of the business, and their opinions can mean the difference between success and failure for your restaurant.  All you have to do is take the time to listen to them.  

1.       Customer feedback tells you what your customers need/want.
If you are seeking way to attract more business from a certain segment of the population or demographic, then you need to listen to what that group wants.  Here’s an example: Want to draw a younger crowd to your restaurant?  Then take surveys, use social media, and do a little research to find out what the 20-something customer base thinks about your restaurant.  Listen to their feedback and attempt to meet their demands as much as you can.  

2.       Customer feedback tells you where you stand vs. a competitor.
Ask questions about your competitors and find out why customers prefer that restaurant to yours.  You can do this by asking “What attracts you to your favorite restaurant?” or something along those lines.  If your customers state that ambiance or a friendly wait staff are the factors that attract them, then you have a good clue regarding the changes you should make in your own establishment.   

3.       Customer feedback tells you about market trends.
Finding out the trends of your customer base can be a boost for your business in several ways, and these trends can be determined through customer feedback.  Ask your customers which social media sites they tend to use the most, figure out how many use smartphones for shopping/finding places to eat, or use their feedback to pass on promotions through their preferred method of contact.   

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