As a business coach, I often remind entrepreneurs that it’s not always the big, bold strategies that move the needle on business growth and improvement; it’s often the small, thoughtful actions repeated consistently that build culture, trust, and loyalty.
It’s easy to get swept up in growth plans, marketing campaigns, and bottom-line metrics. But if you want to strengthen your team, improve morale, and enhance customer loyalty, don’t underestimate the power of the little things.
Here are some meaningful, low- or no-cost actions that have a significant impact:
For Your Team:
- Greet your team by name and with eye contact. It shows that you see them as individuals, not just employees.
- Say “thank you” often and sincerely. Gratitude is free and powerful.
- Celebrate milestones and wins, big or small. Birthdays, work anniversaries, even a great client call deserve a shout-out.
- Offer flexible time when you can. Letting someone leave 30 minutes early to pick up their kids can build deep loyalty.
- Bring coffee or a homemade treat. It’s not about the food—it’s the gesture.
- Handwrite a note of appreciation. It may take five minutes, but it could stay pinned to someone’s wall for years.
- Ask about their weekend, and listen. Connection breeds engagement.
- Share customer compliments with the whole team. Let them hear the real-world impact of their work.
For Your Customers:
- Remember their names and use them.
- Follow up after a sale to express gratitude, not to upsell.
- Send a handwritten card on special occasions.
- Offer small extras: a bottle of water, a clean, quiet space, space, or a kind word.
- Respond quickly, even if just to say you’re working on it.
- Fix mistakes with humility and urgency.
These may seem minor, but they’re not. Over time, these “little things” build a reputation of care, consistency, and integrity. And that kind of culture isn’t just good for morale, it’s good for business.
If you’re feeling stuck or disconnected in your leadership, start by taking small steps. Ask yourself, what’s one little thing I can do today to brighten someone’s workday or make a customer smile?
Because in business, just like in life, the little things are the big things.
