When you run a business, you need to be tough. You often need to take a stand. You need to be persistent.
You also need to be nice.
While chilling with my family last night, I caught part of an episode of “Undercover Boss” where DirecTV Chairman, President & CEO Mike White went incognito to observe first-hand what front-line employees from various areas of his company deal with on a day-to-day basis. Of course, it’s always a hoot to watch the big guy struggle doing what others do for their paychecks day in and day out, but what made the segment memorable for me was the genuine appreciation and consideration Mike White showed for all people at all levels of his company. He was nice…to everyone.
Mr. White’s sincerity not only elevated him to top of the heap on the likeability scale, but it also made me feel warm and fuzzy about his company. After the episode concluded, my husband said, “It makes me want to sign up for DirecTV service.” I imagine there were thousands of other people thinking the same thing. Which goes to show that “nice” can be a powerful asset to someone who represents a business.
If you are the face of your business, how you treat people makes a difference in the perception of your company. Nice doesn’t make you a pushover or spineless. Being nice doesn’t mean that you compromise your principles or agree with everyone about everything. To the contrary, it shows a strength to respect others for their unique qualities and that you tolerate different approaches to doing things.
So always…
Have you ever not done business with someone or a company because their owner or employees weren’t nice? Have you ever stopped following anyone on social media because of how they treated others?
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I’ll never forget when I worked for a small business owner that everyone hated! People would come up to me outside of work and say, “So what’s so-and-so REALLY like?” Her cold and unfriendly demeanor often made people wonder why she was in the warm & fuzzy business she was in! It was quite strange! She really wasn’t nice, and in the long run I think it has really affected her business. Supporting a small business means supporting the owner & its employees, people can get a cheaper product elsewhere (ever heard of Walmart). Its important for owners to be the face of their business and be the reason why consumers choose their small business!
Thanks for sharing your experience! Working for that business owner had to have put you in an awkward position. You were left trying to salvage the good will that she was destroying.
You’re so right – when you support a small business, it goes beyond just buying a product or service. If there’s no human connection and reason to go there over a big box, the choice to save money would easily win.
Great post! I couldn’t agree more!
It is true, in business, whether you are an employee or a CEO, people often links the hole company’s image to one single person they met which works for that specific company. Also, you never really know who you are going to meet or if the person your talking to is a future client. The best way to avoid that is to of course, leave the attitude at home and smile. Make others trust you and be nice.
Thanks, Raphael!
Great points! It’s so true that everyone you talk with provides an opportunity to make a positive – or negative – impression about your business. Even if the person in front of you may not need your services, they might know someone who does. And the only way they’ll share your name is if you’ve made them feel like you’re trustworthy – and worthy of getting that referral.
Thanks again!