As a propane business owner or manager, growing your business is the goal—but not at any cost. Expansion should mean “good growth,” which means not just more sales but maintaining top-notch service, taking care of your employees, and keeping customers happy. Let’s look at how you can make that happen.
Keep Communication Clear—and Fun
Your employees don’t want a one-way lecture. They appreciate real conversations.
- Use multiple communication channels – Posters, whiteboards, group chats…mix it up! And make sure the message is relevant to their roles.
- Make goals measurable and visible – Show progress through KPIs they understand. Regular updates keep everyone in the loop and help avoid surprises.
Let Employees Play a Part in the Growth
Get your team involved in the expansion plan. People are more invested when they feel they’re part of the big picture.
- Ask for input – You’d be surprised how much insight is in your team’s day-to-day work experience.
- Empower them – Encourage them to share ideas, solve problems, and make decisions. They shouldn’t just be along for the ride; they should be part of driving it!
Review, Train, Repeat
As you grow, things will shift, and new processes will pop up. Set up clear procedures and make sure everyone knows them inside and out.
- Consistency is key – Standard processes ensure consistency in customer experience, so inspect, review, and teach to keep standards high.
- Train until it’s natural – Make training part of the culture so that your team has a solid handle on the procedures.
Recognize Wins—Even the Little Ones
Don’t let achievements go unnoticed. Recognizing effort helps boost morale and encourages the whole team.
- Celebrate success – Whether it’s donuts, lunch, or pizza, regular appreciation goes a long way.
- Show personal gratitude – A sincere thank-you note can be just as meaningful as a big party.
Take Failures in Stride
Sometimes things won’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Be open about what’s working and what’s not, and ask the team how to make it better.
- Focus on solutions, not blame – Evaluate results, understand setbacks, and work together to improve.
Don’t Forget the Customer
Your business growth means nothing without happy customers. Focus on ensuring they feel valued at every stage.
- Review customer experience – From quick phone answers to friendly service, accurate billing, and problem resolution, keep an eye on all customer touchpoints.
- Embrace technology – A strong online presence and streamlined services, like online ordering and payment, make a big difference.
The Bottom Line:
Business growth should never come at the expense of quality, your employees, or your customers. With the right balance, your company can expand successfully and sustain that growth for years to come. Here’s to expanding your business while keeping your people happy and your customers coming back!
