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Business Owner Traits: These Qualities You Should Avoid Like the Plague!
I like to share the business owner personality traits that seem to go hand-in-hand with successful business.
But we rarely discuss the qualities you shouldn’t possess.
Maybe we don’t like to dwell on the negative.
Maybe we feel that as long as the owner has the good qualities, he can also be forgiven for harboring a few of the bad.
Maybe we’d just prefer to keep silent and assume that small business owners hide their personality flaws by keeping to themselves.
These 10 qualities are not reserved for business types.
Anyone can become infected.
Also, like most diseases, it’s a heck of a lot easier to get it than it is to get rid of it.
As I put this list together, I tried to stay away from non-business related traits.
That is, anyone can have personality flaws that don’t affect the way they perform in running a business.
These are the personal traits that do affect your business – any business, for that matter.
If left unchecked, any one of these ten traits could become so rotten it spoils all the other good apples in the bushel.
1. Thinking and executing like only a “homerun” will do.
Do you believe that you will only be successful if you find the one great idea or business that will change the world?
Do you constantly swing for the left field fence? If you can’t make a big splash, do you consider your efforts a failure?
I say, go after singles instead. You’ll strike out less often and consistently getting on base will make you money over time!
Persistence and patience will pay off much more often than a “hit it big once” philosophy.
2. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Unfortunately, the solo business owner has to carefully consider all the details of his business.
The guy that ignores the details because he doesn’t want to be bothered, or he doesn’t have the time, will soon find he has all the time in the world on his hands because he won’t have a profitable or lasting business.
But you have to learn what details are important in your business and what details are only just a distraction.
3. I know what’s best for my customers.
Unfortunately, some business owners never think to ask their customers what they actually want.
The owner assumes he is right, he thinks he is the same as all of his followers, or is too bull-headed to admit he could be wrong.
Your business is doomed if you guess wrong.
4. I don’t care if this client never comes back.
It’s easy to blow off or shrug your shoulders at belligerent customers, time-wasters, and know-it-alls.
But as soon as you do, it will come back to haunt you.
One dissatisfied buyer, one offended prospect, and you run the risk of a guy that is going to single you out for his sweet revenge.
Don’t underestimate the damage that can be inflicted by one loud-mouth vengeful detractor.
5. Single-minded and utterly focused.
Focus is a great quality and asset to your business – but only to a point.
Solo business types need to be able to put the blinders on and execute flawlessly and consistently.
But there should be a limit to the drive and push a business owner allows himself to accept – especially if he has a family, relatives, friends, and others that also deserve his attention.
Those that neglect the really important things in their life (family, friends, health, service to others, etc.) will suffer in their business.
Why? Because it will show in their personality, in their treatment of their customers, and their attitude about life.
6. Fault finder and critical of others’ choices, attitudes, and opinions.
Sometimes business owners feel they are the only expert in their niche and they should be listened to and obeyed rather than questioned.
Shun this tendency if it describes you and reinvent yourself to be approachable by anyone.
7. Unwilling to accept responsibility.
Our actions and choices carry consequences. Business owners are sometimes quick to dodge theirs.
“It’s not my fault that you don’t know how to use this product.”
“The box wasn’t crushed when I shipped it.”
“I can’t help it if you can’t follow instructions.”
At times of such customer frustration, you need to step up and become a problem solver. Customers that are given special owner assistance often become lifelong fans of the brand.
8. Uncivilized, uncouth, disrespectful .
Some business owners can’t control their speech, their actions, and their inclination toward being crude, rude, vulgar, and obnoxious.
Customers deserve better; in fact, they deserve the very best you have to offer.
Become an advocate for your customer under difficult circumstances. It will make your business stand out from the crowd.
9. Temperamental or moody.
In a solo business, the owner literally becomes the business. He is the brand and the face of the business.
He is put on stage and expected to perform without tirades, melt-downs, and uncontrolled temper tantrums.
Opinions, personality, and idiosyncrasies are accepted . . . even encouraged; but never slip into a temperamental or moody trance.
10. I’m right and that’s all there is to it!
We know better. We have seen it over and over again. Business owners are sometimes guilty of close-mindedness.
They believe that because it’s their business, they have a right to reign supreme and without being questioned.
Now, let me ask you . . . Do you have any signs of carrying these traits?
If so, get some help in extracting them from your personality or business attitude.
Your customers will not stand for continual abuse – they have too many other choices.
To your online business success,
Steve Browne
www.stevebrownedirect.com