I’m a business owner – I do what I want!

baby-business-woman-crying

The attitude of “I’m a business owner, and I do what I want.” is devastating to a business. Having “It’s my party” play in your head is quick way to destroy the image of your business. So why do so many business owners fall into that trap?

I am getting ready to rant a little, so I hope that you will come with me and enjoy the ride. If not…it may just be that time to look in the mirror.

There is something to be said for having a bit of an edge or an ego. It is important to have that to get to the top and compete in any industry. Professional athletes are the exact same way. But you also have to be willing to show respect to those that you do business with. This is even more prominent as a small business owner. Other businesses not only help support you, but they may help you to survive. Those relationships could mean the difference between a continuous stream of referrals, or a days of non existent phone calls.

One of the simplest things a business owner can do is to communicate. It is the best way to show respect to your fellow business person. It is not hard to return a phone call or email. Yes, there are days that you are just unable to get to something. You are a business owner. You should be busy, and that is a good thing. But let’s run through this scenario shall we? As a business owner you contact me, because you need my services to add value to your business. Your schedule is full, and I understand that. So, I work around mine. Doing everything I can to accommodate you and provide you with the optimum level of customer service.  After months (that is not a typo) of emails, phone messages, and text messages that go unreturned, I finally hear back from you.

Just a small piece of advice. Your actions have a significant impact on the image of your business. You are making it difficult for others to do business with you. Alienating the community that is there to support you, is not something that I would recommend if you want to be successful.

By interacting in an extremely unprofessional, childish, irresponsible, and negligent manner, you have bestowed that image upon your business. I can only expect that you give the same level of service to your customers. You have not shown me the courtesy or respect that business professionals should give to one another. I am an adult. I can hear the word “no” without crying. Trust me business owner, I will have a lot more respect for you if you are upfront with me. Duck, duck, goose is for the playground, so don’t give me the runaround.

I know that you are busy. I am simply asking you to be responsible. I am asking you to be courteous. I am asking you to act like a business owner.

You can avoid all of this with a few simple tweaks.

  • Simply return correspondence – An acknowledgement goes a very long way.
  • Be honest – If you are busy, then you are busy. If you are not interested, that is fine too.
  • Golden rule – Treat others the way that you want others to treat you.

“Take every opportunity to make yourself better than you were yesterday.” Isaac W. Tinsley – VP of Sales at EZ Portable Buildings

By: Matt Carnaghi | @carnaghimd1

About Tom Harness

Tom Harness is the owner of Harness Digital Marketing, a digital marketing firm that works with businesses and organizations on Social Media, SEO, and Email Marketing. He is an entrepreneur and business owner with 20 years of combined experience in Education, IT, and Business. Tom is a U.S. Army Veteran and a Southern Illinois University alum. He also enjoys craft beers, his beloved Chicago Cubs, and his family.

Comments

  1. Matthew, great insight and perspective coming from a sales point of view. As a business owner I try my best to always represent Harness TechED to the highest standard. The demands that are placed on small business owners are overwhelming and are much like doing triage in the TV show M.A.S.H. I can tell you specifically (by name) those people who I unintentionally forgot about and I wish I could go back and make it right. The truth is it is “damn” hard being a small business owner with everyone needing your assistance. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the higher up you are on the business ladder, the higher demand for your time.

    That being said, there is NO excuse for any business owner to directly or indirectly ignore ANY person. In the digital age a potential client, referral, or complaint can come from anyone at anyplace and anytime. As business owners we have to remember that WE are our brand and we have to represent it 24/7. For those of you who say business ownership has its perks, you are seriously mistaken. True business owners that are successful, involved in their community, and have a team behind them work harder than most.

    I’m going to say that as a business owner, we are entitled to make mistakes. We should own up to our weaknesses and rally around our strengths. It is all about perspective my colleague and there are always two sides to every story – iSmile.

  2. Working in the insurance industry, this applies to potential clients as well. If you’re not interested, don’t ignore my phone calls. I can handle “no”, just tell me. Was my price not competitive, did we just not click for an on-going relationship? A reply and an honest answer allows me to move on and, if needed, modify my business to do a better job for my current and future customers.

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