Life as a new business owner is full of unknowns. It can leave the entire process of launching a new business feeling a bit terrifying. Don’t let that fear take over the incredible vision you have. Here are the answers to the top 3 most asked questions new business owners have.

Is a “We Are Open for Business Letter” Necessary?

So, you’re ready to open your doors but there’s one big concern looming — How will people know I’m open? There’s a reason this landed high on our top 3 most asked questions small business owners have.

How your customers learn about you is up to you, for the most part. You can write an email and send out an “open for business” email to everyone on the contact list you purchased from a third party.

However, you can bet that the likelihood of those unsuspecting people being your target audience is low. Now, on the chance that you land a legitimate email list, then a “we are open for business letter” could be a good idea for your first email marketing campaign.

Not sure what that is? Hold on because we’ll tackle that soon.

There’s also the option of sending out mailers, but we should consider the hefty price tag. Who wants to drop a couple of thousand dollars making fliers to place in mailboxes? Not you, the smart and fiscally responsible new business owner. This is where digital marketing comes into play.

You don’t need a degree or a ton of money to market your business. Social media marketing is a great way to get your brand out there. You’ll grow an organic following full of people who are genuinely interested in your brand — and oh, look! You’ve discovered your target audience.

Once you use social media to bring them in, be sure to get their information into your CRM so you can work on automated email marketing efforts to keep them coming back and eventually turn them into brand ambassadors. 

What is Email Marketing and How Do I Do It?

Email’s been around for what seems like forever. While you may not check your email as quickly as you check your text, a good headline will make you pause long enough to open and take a peek. That’s email marketing done right.

You were one of the emails in a mass send but it still managed to strike a nerve and make you open it. Take that tactic and use it. Emails allow you to own the connection, unlike social media algorithms that can cause well-thought campaigns to tank.

Once you’ve built an email list, you can use it to send out:

  • Birthday well-wishes
  • Exciting discount announcements
  • New arrivals
  • Updates on the business
  • Upcoming classes and how-to videos

Be sure these email marketing efforts are helping you achieve your business’s goals, whether that’s brand awareness, drivings sales or just keeping customers engaged and increasing customer loyalty.

In order to execute an effective email marketing campaign, you’ll want to make sure those goals are set.

How Do I Deal with Rude Customers?

Try as you might, there will always be a customer who’s not satisfied. And when customers complain, as the business owner, it’s your responsibility to prepare yourself and your staff to handle not-so-happy customers.

Once you’ve identified which of the different types of complainers this customer is, consider using the CARP method and proceed with caution.

Control: Take control of the conversation by showing your confidence in taking on the customer’s concerns.

Acknowledge: Be sure to acknowledge their frustrations and ensure them you’re there to help.

Re-focus: Get the conversation re-focused on solutions and off of emotions surrounding the issue.

Problem-solve: Quickly problem-solve to the best of your ability.

Remember to keep your tone pleasant. Even the most genuine of words in a tone that sounds even a hint of rough or disrespectful can ruin your chances of winning that customer back.

Need more help?

Try using phrases to soothe things over like:

  • If I understand correctly, you’re saying …
  • So what I’m hearing is …
  • You’re right, and we need to rectify it immediately.
  • Here’s what I’m going to do to help you …

(Extra points if you remembered the customer’s name and use it.)

Sometimes customers want you to correct the situation in a way that’s a bit more than is reasonable. In those moments, try these phrases.

  • I can see where you’re coming from, but I’m unable to do that right now.
  • As much as I’d love to, I’m not able to accommodate that.
  • I know this isn’t the outcome you were hoping for, but I’ll be sure to take your feedback to my team so we can handle this type of situation differently in the future.

Even despite your best efforts, you’ll end up with a few people who can’t be convinced that you care. In those moments, know that it’s okay to say no to those customers. They’re just not your ideal clients.

As a business owner, you’ll constantly ask yourself question after question. Call it curiosity and let it assist you in your business’s growth. But don’t keep all that knowledge to yourself!

Comment below and share what your biggest question was while launching your business.