Small business owners can ensure the quality of their goods or services by involving everyone in the business in the effort to satisfy customers. There aren't a lot of people to communicate with, and, in a small business, it is frequently the owner or CEO who is in charge of implementing the TQM program.
Today's competitive market, in almost every category of products and services, is characterized by accelerating changes, innovation, and massive amounts of new information. Changing customer needs fuels much of this rapid evolution in markets. Significant customer behavior and market changes can happen almost overnight. Changes in market preference or technology, which used to take years, may now take place in a few short months.
For example, the product life cycles for new consumer computer technology and computer printers is estimated to be as little as six months. Computer marketers must carefully plan one or two new product introductions each year, with contingency plans for making design changes for current product lines as they are being manufactured.
As the pace of change accelerates, it becomes more difficult to maintain stable relationships with suppliers, customers, brokers, distributors, and even your own company personnel. "Putting out fires" and reacting to new emergencies is unfortunately the norm for many companies caught in the whirlpool of technological change.
Are competitors stealing your best customers while you're out looking for more? Commitment to quality and customer satisfaction programs are essential for a small business to compete against both smaller and larger competitors. Think about "post-sale" customer satisfaction (or managing customer "dissatisfaction") programs as a way to reinforce customers' buying preferences for your products and services for their current and future purchases!
What is total quality management?
A new company or a small business has limited financial, personnel, and capital plant/equipment resources and is especially vulnerable to instability brought on by rapid changes in customer behavior. One way to help ensure your business success is to make quality and customer satisfaction the number one priority for all employees in your company. Make sure your company is providing "customer management," not just "product management."
Larger companies committed to TQM programs may appoint a special manager or VP of quality. In smaller companies, this task is usually undertaken by the chief executive officer (CEO) or the owner. There are many aspects of successful TQM program implementation. And it may require months or years to fully incorporate TQM into every employee's value system. There are several keys to a successful TQM program for small businesses.
