How To Practice Good Business (And How To Fail)
There are a lot of people out there who think that because they’re smart or because they’re good with people that it’s a no-brainer that they’ll also be great at business. Unfortunately that’s not always the case. Sure, a lot can be said for hard work and determination but at the end of the day it’s going to come down to your people skills, your emotional intelligence, and your ability to deliver. More often than not, quality is derived from passion. When it comes to making business, loving your job is the most important first step. If it’s “work” you probably won’t do as well as if you love it. People can sense your enthusiasm, but they can sense your boredom even more.
Regardless of what you’re selling if you can’t deliver you’ll quickly fail. Delivering doesn’t necessarily mean ensuring that the buyer receives a product, rather, it means ensuring that they get the product in a timely manner, that the product is solid without problems, and that it does exactly what they wanted the product to do (or what you’ve claimed it does). Putting out a good product requires an eye for detail, great management skills, and the drive to be the best. The success of your business will depend on your reputation and which is a direct result of your willingness or ability to strive to be the best. That means putting out the best products, with the best service, and the best attitude. In the end the difference between great business and “okay” business is whether or not the owner has a decent attitude. The point is this: Always aim for perfect service, perfect products, perfect creations.
Don’t be a jerk or a bully. A lot of people in authority positions confuse leadership with being a tyrant. If you think right now that people must fear you in order to respect you then we can go ahead and assume right now that you won’t do well in the long-run. If your employees resent you, they won’t care if they’re productive, in fact, that’s when your employees lose momentum, drive, and sometimes go into sabotage mode. The last thing that you want your company associated with is messy management, emotional meltdowns, irrational behavior, dehumanizing rules (ex. limited potty breaks) and unfair or immature communication. This is the age of the internet, the way that you behave in the office will probably become known at some point. Be a leader, be kind and strong, listen, and guide people by setting a great example. Try to be the kind of business person that everyone else wants to be instead of the kind of person that everyone wants to run away from. Chances are, if you’re bad with your employees, you’re probably bad with everyone else as well.
While I was writing this I found an article that sums up the most important points Richard Branson’s Rules For Good Business. Take it from the guy who has it all, he knows what he’s talking about.
Richard Bransons: 5 Rules For Good Business Featured On Entrepreneur.com
1. If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it. You must love what you do.
2. Be innovative: Create something different that will stand out.
3. Your employees are your best asset. Happy employees make for happy customers.
4. Lead by listening: Get feedback from your staff and customers on a regular basis.
5. Be visible: Market the company and its offers by putting yourself or a senior person in front of the cameras.
