Stairway to Seven

My seven steps for business success

the training personally, like we do at Magheramorne Estate – it will pay off.

4. CUSTOMER CARE

Exceptional service is central to our approach at Magheramorne Estate and Jane’s Kitchen, as it should be for any customer-facing business. Many will attest to this, but it’s all about following through. Don’t just get caught up in practicalities.

“People buy people” so keep your customer interactions friendly and engaging. You must be genuinely interested in meeting and hopefully exceeding their expectations. And perhaps most importantly, listen –only then will you fully understand what they need before you can offer them the best solution.

5. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD PEOPLE

Magheramorne Estate is essentially a startup family business, launched under extremely difficult circumstances that really put us all to the test. Having just completed the deal to take over the Estate on the 10 March 2020, we faced the Covid 19 nationwide lockdown just two weeks later. It could have been a disaster, but through lifelong business relationships, our resilience as a family and sheer hard work, Magheramorne Estate was restored to a position that would allow it to be fit to trade once lockdown was lifted. Since then, we have grown our team recruiting people who share our vision and embrace the Magheramorne culture for outstanding customer service that has enabled the team to build the business including wedding receptions, corporate and private events.

6. CLEAR COMMUNICATION

As George Bernard Shaw said, “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” How many of us have been guilty of that? Whether it’s among your team, with your customers, suppliers or your bank, clear communication always leads to better, more informed decisions. In an information vacuum, so much can be misinterpreted, and the results can be damaging both for your business and the people involved. Be honest, be accurate, be empathetic when necessary, but never back away from important and difficult conversations. And in everyday operations, talk when possible, but keep the key people well briefed.

7. ENJOY THE JOURNEY

Don’t forget why you’re doing this, especially when you’re running your own business or leading one. Every decision you have made, every opportunity you have taken and problem overcome, has led you to where you are now. The future is what you make of it and who knows what it holds. All I can say is “enjoy the journey”, because that is exactly what it is and the route changes along the way. Just always keep your goal in mind and you WILL get there. One of my favourite quotes is: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about dancing in the rain”. Just keep dancing!