Have you ever thought about your employee as your “First Customer”?

We’ve talked about this before in another blog, but in case you missed it, I wanted to share again that our philosophy at Confidence Coach when we are helping companies grow is for them to recognize that their greatest untapped resource is their employee — who we refer to as their “First Customer”.

Nobody knows more about your business. Nobody has more interaction with your customers. Nobody has a greater bearing outside of you for your company’s success, than your employees do.

So in order to start thinking about your employees as your First Customer — thus increasing employee participation, engagement and enthusiasm — ask yourself these questions:

1. What do you do for your (paying) customers that you could do for your employees?

Are there any discounts on products or services or is there something you do at events that you could also do for your employees? It could be any number of things and only you can answer that question. Be original! But, you need to start recognizing that your employees are your First Customers. Start thinking of them in this way and create an “experience” for them like you would create for your paying customers.

2. How can you serve or support your employees better?

It’s a simple question, yet if they are your First Customer and they’re so important, you should be thinking about how you can serve and support them in a way that would help them do a better job at work. If they feel supported and know you really care, this will increase their performance and also improve their attitudes at work.

3. What do your employees need from you in leadership?

How is that to be done? What are they looking for? Have you asked them what they need as far as leadership, vision or direction for themselves, for their unit/division of the company? You need to have that conversation. I think you will be surprised at what you hear.

4. What are your employees’ stumbling blocks in their work?

What’s getting in the way of them reaching their full potential to produce, serve and make a happy repeating customer? They should be able to tell you these things and then you need to know how to overcome them.

5. What are three things you will do to improve your First Customer (employee) experience?

Think about three things you will do this month to make your employee experience better. The first thing you’re probably going to say is:  you’re already paying them; we have benefits, vacation, etc. But those things aren’t enough in today’s economy because employment is basically zero. There are a lot of jobs out there and not enough people to fill them. Do something different and think about them as your “First Customer”. What are three things you could do for them that would give them a greater sense of value, appreciation and support in the work that they do for your company?

Helping companies view their employees as their “First Customer” is just one of the processes we use. If this peaks your interest, we also have a process called The Dream Employee. We love working with business owners and their employees. We also love to help employees tap into their greatness to exponentially grow your company! Reach out to us at confidencecoach.org and schedule a free catalytic conversation today to help you with your First Customers.