Have you ever tried to support someone, yet he or she acted as if you were bugging or becoming bothersome with your many inquiries? If you have a business, treat it like one and be professional at all times. People have every right to ask questions about a product or service they intend to pay for. There is a lot of competition in this economy, so don’t ever act as though you are the only one baking cakes, taking pictures, styling or cutting hair, doing party favors, and etc.
Whether you realize it or not, it is your business. People are not obligated to support you when there are so many others competing for their business. You never know who might help you step your game up out of admiration of what you do and how well you do it. If you don’t wish to be contacted by phone, quit issuing out your phone number. If you’d prefer a text, then specify. If you are going to ignore both, don’t advertise your craft as your business. If you are doing it just for fun, then it’s a hobby, not a business. Don’t confuse the two.
Some of you so-called business people are very rude and unprofessional. Don’t ever become so cocky and conceited because you’ve had much success. All it takes is for someone to have one bad experience and ruin your reputation. The best way to market any business or service is by word-of-mouth. So if word is that you don’t respond to calls, texts, instant messages, and emails, then your referrals will begin to decline. Remember, good communication is key in business dealings. Most importantly, treat people you know just as you would any other client. They are paying customers, too. You are not excused from your lousiness just because the two of you are well acquainted. I see it happen all the time.
Returning customers are just as important as new customers. In my opinion, they are actually more valuable because they have shown an act of loyalty. Your residuals come from returning customers, not new customers. They help sustain your lifestyle because the income is steady. Therefore, their business is your business, and they deserve the utmost respect.
And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”
What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.
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Photo: Flickr. Pinned to business quotes on Pinterest by Wan Mohd Muslim
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