Running a Small Business

Running a small business has its ups and downs. There’s nothing wrong with having a small business, but there’s a lot wrong with having a small mind when you run it.

Some leaders run a business by what I call the exception. They set up rules and regulations for customers based on the 5% they anticipate being problems. Instead, they ought to consider the other 19 out of 20 who are invaluable to their business.

The idea is to cultivate relationships with clients. To distinguish your business from the competition. Unfortunately, many owners sacrifice that advantage by not trusting customers and issuing warnings about what is included or not included in their products or services. Operating by the exception – the negative – isn’t a good business practice and it limits your potential.

I get it. Some customers are simply a pain, and there’s nothing wrong with “firing” them as a client. What you don’t want to lose is the 95% who are a blessing to your business.

Small businesses create more jobs than large corporations and are the backbone of our economy. Help your business run better by taking the glass half full approach and by looking at the big picture.

So how are you doing? Are you treating customers like special guests or troublemakers? The special guest treatment could be the difference that makes your business successful this year.

Here are a few Business & Life Tips to think about….

Business Tips:

• Want to sell something? Then you better have passion for it. Passion plus purpose, along with a good product or service works.
• Most start-up businesses fail because they can’t hang on long enough to make things work. Plan on twice the time it will take.
• Customers are a great source of knowledge about your business. Tap into their advice and learn from your “unpaid consultants.”

Life Tips:

• An open heart leads to an open mind. An open mind leads to creativity. Open your heart and mind if you truly want to grow.
• The right amount of stress is what causes all of us to achieve. Nothing is accomplished without it. Find the right balance each day.
• Have the courage to be honest with people, but share your ideas and points of view with sincerity and gentleness. Be nice.

Check out a past article written by Bill in….

January-February 2016 Issue

– Scroll to Page 44 –

The 21st Century Jeweler

Tags: Advice, Business, Business Development, Business Tips, Crisis Management, Customer Service, Developing Leaders, Drive, Knowledge, Leaders, Life Tips, Project Leaders, Relationships, Reputation, Sales, Small Business, Success, The Mind of a Leader, Vision, Wisdom