Two Questions Every Business Owner Should Ask Themselves

by Megan Germane

When you’re running a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day details and logistics.  (Has this product shipped?   Have we filed our taxes?  Do we have enough supplies?  Did the internet just go out?, etc.). It’s natural to think about the things that need to get done and to forget about the people that help make it all happen.

Here are two questions every business owner should ask to make sure you remember the people who keep you in business.

Are my employees empowered?

Whether they are entry-level or executive-level, your employees perform a very important role.  Without their help, consistency, and direction, you wouldn’t be able to get everything done.  It is important that employees feel appreciated; one way to appreciate them is to make sure they feel empowered within their role.  The temptation to micro-manage is strong, but it is the employees “in the trenches” who have the best ideas on how to improve operations.  The employee on the assembly line or behind the reception desk knows how to make their job—and therefore, the company—more efficient.  Give your employees an opportunity to excel within their role.  Ask them how they would improve things.  Let them make decisions within their abilities.  The results will be two-fold—you’ll develop employee loyalty and find your business running more efficiently.

“It’s natural to think about the things that need to get done and to forget about the people that help make it all happen.“

Do my customers feel appreciated?

If it weren’t for your customers, you wouldn’t have a company to run.  Your customers don’t have to buy your product or service, they choose to.   They’ve decided that what you offer is special—special enough for them to purchase with their hard-earned money.  Do they feel appreciated?  Do you offer repeat customers loyalty discounts, special savings, or access to limited products?  Do you take the time to sincerely thank them for their business—either formally or casually?  Do you go out of your way to make sure that they have a good experience when they’re working with your business? 

If the answer to these questions is a resounding “yes,” then you’re on the right track!  If your to-do list has trumped your customer service, it’s not too late!  Send a note to a regular customer.  Look a customer in the eye and smile at them.  Offer them an incentive or reward to come back.  Make every customer feel like your best customer. Your efforts will pay off in dividends as your happy customers bring more business to you.


When you start on your next to-do list, make sure you include the people who make it all happen.  You won’t regret it—and neither will they!