Oh Sioux Falls. I’ve considered moving to a more attractive climate before.

Because why do we subject ourselves to such volatile weather? But my wife and I always come back to the same conclusion – to stay. The crime is usually minimal. The people are pretty good – as long as you don’t push your political views down my throat too much. We know a lot of people too – lots of connections. We’re well established here (not always, we went through our “broke as hell” stage). And there always just seems to be something nice about the whole area. It feels good.

So, the allure of the Sioux Falls area for a lot of people is pretty strong. And the economy stays healthy most of the time, so a lot of people try to start their own business thinking that Sioux Falls is steady, but also growing.

But I just want to point out that owning a SUCCESSFUL business all comes down to the customer experience. I know location is important…and financial smarts…and demand for your product or service…but but but there’s too many start-ups that don’t understand you better deliver a solid experience for your customers.

Many think that Sioux Falls is great enough to support any new business no matter how you run it. But we still have low start-up success rates just like every other city around the country. Starting a new business and successfully operating a new business is hard. There’s so much more to do than just opening your doors and saying “Ta-da!!!”

I still have way too many awful customer experiences in this town. And we’re supposed to be friendly and understanding here in God’s country, right? Short story…

I had to drop a few things off at the household hazardous waste facility the other day. I wasn’t expecting the awesome attitudes and friendliness that I received. I got better service and more smiles there…than I do at most other local businesses! But before you say, “So what”, I want you to consider something. They have no competition! They don’t HAVE to be nice. They don’t have to worry about me going somewhere else for better service. And they were still fantastic, cheery, and helpful.

So, what about the restaurant, the plumber, the auto repair shop, the website designer, the restaurant, the advertising rep, etc. that fails to remember that they have a LOT of competition? That I have a ton of other choices?

My point? I’d love to see more new businesses thrive and stay in business – so maybe they could take a lesson from the awesome guys at the household hazardous waste facility here in Sioux Falls. It’s not easy to be profitable and be successful as small business owner…so don’t shoot yourself in the foot by forgetting that your biggest assets are your customers.

Start there first. Get some good word-of-mouth going. Then when you advertise…I’ll help you attract new faces and increase the volume of your good word-of-mouth even more! Pretty soon you’ll either have to expand, add another location, or just enjoy your profits.

Sioux Falls…I like you. I’m staying. And I want to help you grow and become known as a city of respect and friendliness – no matter if I’m walking down the street, in need of a good electrician, or ordering a Philly sandwich.

Have a great day!

Duane Christensen

Sioux Falls Radio Advertising blog