For most people, it feels like there is nothing worse than being criticised. You have worked hard to get your business to the stage it is at today, so when someone criticises the service you provide or the product you sell, it can be difficult not to take it to heart. However, criticism is not all bad. In fact, it’s a good thing! Read on to discover the reasons why.
- The right type of criticism can give you an advantage – If one of your customers gives you criticism, which you can use to better your business, you are gaining an advantage over the competition. After all, you have benefitted from information that no one else has. This can give you a competitive edge in your industry, enabling you to get things right and give your target audience what they want.
- It forces you to think about how you work – Constructive criticism can ensure you move to good practices and stop following bad practices. When assessing the feedback you have received, you need to be objective and look at what you provide as if the business is not yours. By taking a step back, you can think about improving your business processes so that you don’t get any more negative comments down the road.
- Criticism will make your product stronger – How do you know for sure that what you are doing is any good if you don’t get feedback from anyone else? Listening to the honest opinions about your product will enlighten you to what you can do better. This can make for uncomfortable listening at times, but it will better your business in the end because you will have a stronger product as a consequence.
- Criticism is a form of communication – This is one of the key benefits of criticism. It is important to make it easy for your customers to complain if they wish to do so. The Peninsula business complaints procedure is an exceptional example of this. They have placed clear instructions online via various platforms so that their customers know how to complain. After all, whenever a customer gets in touch with you, this is an opportunity for you to connect with them. You can learn more about this individual, whom you are working for, and this will give you a great chance to convert them into a more satisfied customer. Think about what your client is saying and use this to work towards a better outcome for both of you.
- Increase your brand image – If you are seen as a business that listens to its customers and makes a constant effort to improve customer service, this will only benefit your brand image. Word will quickly spread, and your reputation will receive a boost as a consequence.
As you can see, criticism does not have to be a bad thing for your business. All companies receive criticism. It is how you deal with it that matters. See this as an opportunity for your company and use it to give your business a competitive edge.
