If you are in the mix of a clientele based business or one where your sole existence rest upon word of mouth; your reputation for business practice will be vital to your longevity. If you are known to only have your interest in mind, desperately portray greediness, or cause friction with clients and customers on a normal, you probably will not be in business long. It is important to build solid business relationships through your customers and clients because your clientele is your net worth. Treat clients with respect, have confidence in those you represent and do not bad mouth your client.
As you venture to start-up a business where you will need reference as well as experience, keep in mind; it will be those that you have worked with in the past who may ultimately be your mouthpiece. When you are in a business where you represent a client and are responsible for their portrayal, you have to have confidence in them because they are a reflection of your work. If you are constantly making remarks about how they will not be successful, you are virtually saying you cannot do your job. Or you are saying you are in it for the money, because if you can’t help-why are you doing it.
We have all heard the phrase “careful who you step on, on the way to the top; they will be the same people you will see on your way down.” In any industry, you will find that circles are small and those industry leaders usually travel together. They listen to referrals, they trust opinions and judgments from their colleagues as well as value their advice in business decisions when it comes to who to work with. You do not want to find yourself on the outside of those circles due to the reputation you have earned as an individual who does bad business, does not know how to do business or is a shady business owner. You may want to consider changing the way you practice.
I talked about burning bridges in a previous article and how some bridges need to be burned. Those would be the ones that were faulty from the start, that didn't lead to anything, anyone or anywhere. However, when something or someone is the link in your next opportunity; that is not the bridge to burn. This is the relationship you want to solidify through great customer service and effective communication by way of building and complementing that bridge with great work. A good formula to measure your success is: how long have you been in business by how many clients do you have.
The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity. – Peter F. Drucker
Niedria Kenny
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