Every business needs to find a way to become recognizable. Whether this be a household name or a product that has a niche' market only to a select group of people, it's important to havea good brand to your target customers, and a positive vibe amongyour repeat customers.
One way this can be accomplished is by creating a philosophy that you do business by, and sticking to it for all customers/clients. Especially treating all customers/prospects equally. How many times have you bought something only to have another person get a better price than you? How did it feel knowing you were not as "important" as the other buyer?
Everyone has been "taken" before in business. It could be something huge like buying your dream house, that new car, a tiny island out in the pacific, or even cold french fries.
The point being, either way, when you walk away feeling angry, ripped off, stepped on, or just uneasy about the whole situation it's not a great feeling. Use this negative feeling as your guide for writing your business model and philosophy. Almost all are commonsense rules; it's just sometimes we are tired , in a foul mood, or some people are just plain greedy and would rather risk losing a possible long term repeat customer than to deal with an unhappy customer/client. It's short-sighted to say the least.
Also keep in mind, that maybe the person you are speaking to about your product/service may be suffering the same afflictions. Tired, aggravated etc.
Here is an example of my personal business philosophies, which by the way, are amazingly simple and short:
1) Treat everyone like you like to be treated (a cliche' that holds true.)
For example: How would you react if a salesperson treated your mother or father this way?
2) Always try to be fair without selling yourself short in the process.
Yes, I would like to give everything away, but then I would not make a living. If I sell at a fair price, everyone's content. Which brings us to the third philosophy.
3) Price your products and services fairly. Be reasonable. Sometimes we all want to "get rich quick." But at what expense?
And on the other side of the coin, we don't want to undersell ourselves either. (A common mistake most new businesses make.)
4) Some customers will never be satisfied. This is a business truth that you must accept and deal with accordingly. You absolutely cannot please everyone all the time. It's up to you to realize when there is absolutely nothing more you can do to make the situation right, and move on. Some people will not like you for your looks. Or your hair. Or your gender/race. Or your car. The list goes on and on. Do not let these negative people bring you down! They can be like cancer to your business and self esteem. Say, "I apologize we cannot meet your expectations."
And move on.
That's it! Amazingly Simple, and Good, but often overlooked. It does take a lot of effort, but if you love what you are doing,and believe in your service/product, it will reflect in your personality and demeanor, and will ultimately help you succeed.
Chris W James is the author of " Music...Inside my Head and Out of My Mind?" A guide to music, depression and never giving up. Mr. James Has written songs for movie soundtracks, Wrestler Big Poppa Pump, Scott Steiner, and is available for public speaking events throughout the USA on a limited basis.
http://www.chriswjames.com
