The 10 Commandments of Good Business

The 10 Commandments of Good Business have been around for a long time, and almost guarantee a successful business and profit. Every businessperson needs to be reminded of them often. Although the author is unknown, their message is timeless. Since the first time I saw them, they remained a prominent part of my business career and throughout owning and running a small service business.

1. Customers are the most important people in my business.

There are signs above some retail stores that read, 'The people that walk through this door are the most important people in the world.' A business owner must never forget that principle, nor did I allow my workers to forget it. They needed to be reminded often, usually at the weekly staff meeting. I am sure they got tired of hearing it!

2. Customers are not dependent on us. We are dependent on them.

Some customers or clients are demanding and it is difficult dealing with some attitudes. Were it not for the customer, there would be no business. A smile is always appropriate, even on the telephone. Anger can be expressed loudly....but only after the customer has left or off the phone. (I threw a 'fit' regularly in private!) We never insulted a customer, no matter what.

3. Customers are not an interruption of our work. They are the real purpose for it.

In the frantic rush of today's business world, interruptions of work are hard to deal with. Owners must always remember that a customer is the number one person in the world, regardless of how busy the day. All customers want to know they are 'first in line' to get their needs met! Many over-time hours were worked to make up for production time lost by making them feel welcome and important.

4. Customers do us a favor when they call. We are not doing them a favor by serving them.

For a service business, a phone call is a need. The job is to meet the need as quickly and efficiently as possible....always.

5. Customers are an integral part of business, not outsiders.

When a customer comes, if they are in a rush, be brief. When they want to chat, take the time.Many times we would work overtime to make up for 'chatting' with a customer. It is essential to make them feel important, because they are!

6. Customers are not cold statistics. They are flesh-and-blood human beings, with feeling and emotions like our own.

With repeat customers, we would take the time to get to know a little about them. Everyone wants someone to listen to them or care how their family is doing. Take the time needed with a customer.

7. Customers are not someone to argue with or with whom to match wits.

Never, ever, argue with a customer. They are always right. If their request cannot be done, or is unreasonable, a simple statement to that fact is sufficient. To diffuse their anger, we would always try to give a referral to someone that could meet their needs. Usually, that worked.

8. Customers are people who bring us their wants and needs. It is our job to fulfill them.

Business means commerce, trade, production, and dealing. If this is not what a person wants to do, then they should not start a business in the first place. We had a sincere desire to fulfill the needs of a customer. We enjoyed the work we did. That made all the difference in the world with attitudes.

9. Customers deserve the most courteous and attentive treatment we can give them.

They pay for the privilege, which makes it a win-win situation. Make the experience enjoyable and they will return. Repeat clients were the life-blood of our business. Some clients were with us for 40 years!

10. Customers are the lifeblood of this and every business.

These ten principles should be lived by owners, managers, and employees alike. When practiced, this way of doing business almost guarantees success for anyone.

Sources:
Cash Flow Pro

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