In today’s business lesson, I have an easy question for you that will help you define everything you do in your business and it has to do with smoking… Smoking?
Yes…smoking! Let me present you with a scenario:
Suppose you’re out with some clients or some friends at an event and one of them offers you a cigarette. They say, “Hey, would you like a cigarette?”
How do you answer?
If you’re a non-smoker, that’s easy….you say, “No, thank you.” And if you are a smoker the answer is just as easy.
It’s very defined. You either smoke, or you don’t period.
As entrepreneurs, we need to have the same clarity in our businesses in order to make them successful.
We need this clarity when it comes to our pricing, to the kinds of customers we work with and the kind of products we create. Everything should come down to simple yes or no answers. That way there is NO DOUBT about what you need to do or say. And what your employees need to do or say.
It’s just like your value system.
If you have strong values, you know what you stand for. Your business decisions should be just as easy. [Click to Tweet]
Many times I will work with coaching clients that are struggling with a particular customer. In 9 out of 10 cases, this customer has pushed my clients value system outside of what they are comfortable with, yet my client has done nothing to stop it for fear of losing that customer.
It’s almost like succumbing to peer pressure on the smoking.
Remember, you either smoke or you don’t!
So when a client asks you for a discount: Do you give discounts or not? Does Apple give discounts? Do you resent them for it?
When a customer asks you to do something that is not part of your core services, do you do it or not? Would you ask your doctor to to do your taxes? They’re both trained professionals right?
When a customer calls from outside of your industry do you take it or do you refer the business to someone else?
Listen, I’m all for making more money and growing my company, but if I’ve learned something along the way is that I make the most money when I’m true to my values and to my core.
As you work on your business strategy and your business systems, make things simple. Make everything as easy as a yes or no answer and stick to it. It will make your business decision making easier, it will make things clearer for you and your team and it will help you stand out as an entrepreneur that doesn’t compromise on your values.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
My friend, this is an excellent analaogy and, as always, great business advise. Keep it coming!
Thank you my friend! I really appreciate you support always!
Excellent advice as always Ralph. The Apple reference should resonate.
Thanks Charlie!