Checklist: How to Give a Performance Review

The performance review can be quite the nerve wrecking experience for the employee as well as the supervisor. As difficult as it can be to have this conversation with employees, it is necessary to make it as much of a positive experience for both parties. Here are some tips to make the review run as smoothly as possible:

1. Don't sideswipe your employees
• Your employees should never hear about a positive/negative performance for the first time in a review. As a manager, you should give regular feedback to your employees and use the formal review to focus on specific parts of their performance.
2. Remember that a performance review is about setting goals
• It is important to make sure that the employee has a clear understanding of what is expected of them. You should also work together to determine how these expectations will be evaluated to ensure that the employee can perform to the best of their ability. When setting goals it is also important to discuss the employee's career goals. It not only shows that you have an invested interest in the employee but it also 
3. Follow-Up
• While a performance review should be yearly, it is important to make a quarterly follow up to ensure that the employee is on track with the goals that have been set. In order for the review to be effective, the employer must check in periodically throughout the year.

How to Convince Customers to Review Your Business

Please raise your hand if you've ever struggled getting your customers to provide business reviews.

You constantly hear praises of the best quality work, or the most compassionate service around. While these compliments make you beam with joy, it would be nice to share these stories of satisfaction with potential customers.

With the majority of your efforts dedicated to the business, current customers and your desire to not be perceived as a nuisance, getting these reviews published seems a daunting task.

Well, there’s good news: Asking for consumers to publish reviews doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right attitude and avenues at your disposal, you can easily make the most of your customer’s great experiences – all without coming across as pushy or dedicating more time than required.

When we’re done you’ll know exactly how to approach your customers and multiple ways to suggest they review your business. Ready? Let’s get started.

Key Steps in the Customer Review Process

Identification

Before you jump right into your pursuit of customer reviews, you need to identify happy and unhappy clients.  While your goal might only be to highlight your achievements in business, it is necessary to understand what some of your customers perceive as your short comings.

Keep in mind that you cannot satisfy all customers, but understanding both sides of the coin gives you an edge in satisfying future customers.

See, nothing fancy going on here. By identifying both types of your customers, you can focus on those who will provide you with the best chance for a business review.

ASK!

After you've identified your different customers, the next step might seem simple and straight forward. Ask for one.

Often the thought of providing a business review never crosses a customer’s mind, even if they had a great experience. By asking that they provide you with a quick review or rating, it creates a connection that they would not otherwise achieve. If they agree to provide your business with a review politely thank them, and show how much it means to your business.

Not everyone who agrees will necessarily run right home and submit your review. Do not get frustrated. Wait a few weeks before pleasantly reminding them about their experience, and if you are able to jog their memory with examples of your work or their exclamations of satisfaction. It can make the whole process much smoother. 

Provide Support

Next up, is your ability to provide support during the review process. You must be knowledgeable of the popular websites and their review processes. Often times even the most minimal hiccup can cause a potential review to be abandoned.

By anticipating the steps of each review process that could potentially hinder a review and proactively giving advice, your customers will be more likely to compete the process.

Directions

Last, but certainly not least, you want to provide the proper links and documents for the reviews you desire.

Having a quick pamphlet handy or an email ready listing the correct pages and steps to follow makes the chance of them getting off track during the process very slim.

Now you’re ready to approach customers about potential business reviews. And you know what the best part is? Next time, it won’t feel quite as daunting.