Successful business strategies are the backbone of thriving businesses and highly successful business people. Here are 10 random, yet essential business takeaways that have me thinking as we approach our 18th year in business and I reflect on this past year.

• Nothing is more powerful than what you can CONTROL in your business. Take inventory of what those ”controllables” are and focus on executing them to the fullest in the New Year.
• Nothing is more frustrating than what you can’t CONTROL in your business. Always work on making that list smaller.
• Your existing customer is always your best one! Take incredibly good care of them.
• In every situation, every challenge and opportunity, look for the win-win … there is always one there.
• A strong ego is a great driver for success. A big ego is the inevitable downfall of so many business leaders.
• Always have an open mind and listen to varying opinions, then distill them to come up with the best solution that fits your needs.
• Capitalize on your strengths and what you like and do best. Do the same with those around you.
• Fully develop and execute the 3 drivers of team performance; compensation, recognition, and accountability.
• An effective “sales engine” in your business is incredibly hopeful and rewarding. Focus on putting it in overdrive in 2011.
• Thinking in terms of logic and common sense always makes the most sense! Always consider things from the other point of view. Accept that for things to work over a period of time they have to always add up and make sense.

As you ponder these points I think you will agree, you don’t have to be a business owner to adopt them as principles. In fact, embracing these strategies is among the best ways to catapult your career in your own business or the business you work in. They will help you capitalize on the outstanding opportunities that exist today and pave the way for a most successful future.

Ziad Khoury – Founder and President, Frontline Performance Group

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”  – Warren Buffet

Today’s customers are making smarter choices. They are more vocal, more cost driven and less brand-loyal. Among the key consumer expectations are: convenience, competency, proactivity, personalized service, and studies continue to show that frugality and conscious consuming are still among the biggest retail trends in the U.S.

Sensible retailers are making smarter choices too! Many businesses, especially those that are driven by discretionary consumer spending, are well advised to improve the customer experience.

Recent studies revealed that in the U.S. alone, over 70% of consumers have ended a business relationship due to poor service, two-thirds have taken their business to the competition, and the remainder just STOPPED – decided not to purchase at all! Moreover, when you consider the potential impact of social media, even one lost customer can equate to many, many more.

So how do you best position your brand to retain and gain business in a troubled economy? Know what your customers want, need and expect – then work to exceed these expectations. A quick (and relatively easy) start is to experience your services from the customer’s point of view. Mystery shop your own business from every angle (inquiry, purchase, complaint, etc.) then answer the following questions:

1. Would I do business here?
2. Would I recommend an associate/friend?
3. Given a viable alternative, would I return?

This simple, yet telling exercise should give you a clearer picture of your organization’s customer service strengths and opportunities. Develop an actionable strategy, then go and GET it! Every effort of every member of your organization should focus on Getting new, Expanding existing and Taking back (recouping) lost business.

Lynda Fleming - Director of Learning & Development, Frontline Performance Group