Communication is key in business. Whether you are speaking to your employees, suppliers, or your customers your hope is that your message will always be received as intended. Sadly, that isn't always the case. This post will cover some tips on how to handle miscommunication issues and how to use Stockpile simple inventory solution to tame your inventory headaches.
Communicating with Employees
You probably have multiple ways to communicate with your employees including e-mail, text, voice, and notes. It's important that your message is clear regardless of how it's delivered. The best way to communicate effectively is to know your audience. Often, the way your message is interpreted has far more to do with the person receiving it than it does the speaker. For instance, language can be a barrier to understanding. Cultural differences can impact the way that social cues are perceived. If you take the time to get to know your employees you'll have a better understanding of how to get your message across.
Speaking with Suppliers
When dealing with suppliers the most important things to communicate are what you need from them, how quickly you need it, and how much you are willing to pay. Being clear and getting an agreement in writing can alleviate the potential for issues down the road. Don't be afraid to ask questions either. What is their policy on canceled orders? What if they aren't able to deliver as promised? Knowing what sort of compensation they offer when they aren't able to fulfill a contract as promised can remove the uncertainty from the situation and allow you to form a contingency plan to meet the needs of your business.
Customer Communication
Communicating with your customers is important. There are so many things about your business that you need to share with them. They should know where you're located, what your hours are, and what products and/or services you offer. This information should be available via multiple channels including your website, any local advertising methods, and your company business card and physical location. You may also market your business through flyers, community events and e-mail blasts. You also want to communicate with your customers regarding any special sales or promotions you may offer. It's important to be clear about these offers. Are they only available for a limited time? Do they apply to certain products but not others? Are there any spending minimums or particular items that need to be purchased to qualify? The less surprises your customer experiences the more satisfied they are likely to be.
Follow Up
Sometimes even the most carefully crafted message is misunderstood. In this situation, the key is to follow up and clarify the situation. It's crucial that you understand how and why your message wasn't understand as you intended if you want to avoid a similar situation in the future. It can also eliminate the problem by educating your audience about your thought process and motivation. If they understand you better they will get your message more easily. At the very least following up tells your recipient that you care and that you are willing to work to create effective channels of communication.
Stockpile
Having a clear picture of your inventory and being able to communicate that with your suppliers, employees, and customers can be the competitive advantage that your company needs to succeed. Thankfully, Stockpile makes it easy. Adding item records is simple. Because Stockpile simple inventory solution is fully customizable you choose which fields to include. Stockpile fits your business allowing you to track the details that matter most. Thanks to areas and locations you can be very specific about where items are kept. Then it's easy to track items as they move through your business. Stockpile also grows with you. It's just as easy to use for multiple locations as it is for a single one. Always knowing what you have and where to find it can relieve a lot of inventory stress. Another thing that many business owners dread is running the end of year and tax time reports. Stockpile makes this easy as well. Why waste time and energy worrying about how you're going to get everything done? Stockpile makes it easy. Try Stockpile today!